A Voice For The Youth Of Monmouth County

Rush At It agen!!!!!

2009-09-18T13:48:00.000-04:00

Limbaugh: We need segregated buses

In a remark extraordinary even by the standards of conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh, the right-wing radio heavyweight declared on his program Wednesday that the United States needed to return to racially segregated buses.

Referring to an incident in which a white student was beaten by black students on a bus, Limbaugh said: “I think the guy’s wrong. I think not only it was racism, it was justifiable racism. I mean, that’s the lesson we’re being taught here today. Kid shouldn’t have been on the bus anyway. We need segregated buses — it was invading space and stuff. This is Obama’s America.”

A full transcript of Limbaugh’s comments on his radio show is available at MediaMatters.org.

Limbaugh’s comments came after a called complained to say that local law enforcement said the attack probably wasn’t racially motivated. The incident had been hyped by the conservative Drudge Report, which posted a video of the fracas.

“Police initially said the beating of the white student by two black students appeared to be racially motivated,” the Associated Press wrote. “But police on Tuesday backed away from that.”

That didn’t stop Limbaugh from making his comments Wednesday.

“In Obama’s America, the white kids now get beat up with the black kids cheering, ‘Yay, right on, right on, right on, right on,” Limbaugh also said. “I wonder if Obama’s going to come to come to the defense of the assailants the way he did his friend Skip Gates up there at Harvard.”

“White Americans are racists who have created what they call free markets that really just enslave the rest of America and her trading partners,” Limbaugh also mocked. “I mean, it was white Americans that ran off Van Jones. No, look, let’s just follow Eric Holder’s advice and not be cowards about all this. Let’s have an open conversation, an honest conversation about all of our typical white grandmothers. You had one, I had one. Obama had one. They’re racists just like our students are. ACORN — hey, nothing but racism fueling the pursuit of ACORN.”

Limbaugh also suggested that racism itself was acceptable.

“If homosexuality being inborn is what makes it acceptable, why does racism being inborn not make racism acceptable?” the talk show host asked. “I’m sorry — I mean, this is the way my mind works. But apparently now we don’t choose racism, we just are racists. We are born that way. We don’t choose it. So shouldn’t it be acceptable, excuse — this is according to the way the left thinks about things.”

(This is from http://rawstory.com/08/news/2009/09/17/limbaugh-we-need-segregated-buses/)

Bob Brown on Fox News

2009-08-20T16:35:00.000-04:00

Bob Brown has been on Fox News a lot lately. Fox has even called him "An American Hero" when he appeared a few weeks ago. Good job Bob.....

The Health Care Debate Continues

2009-08-18T01:15:00.000-04:00

Today I was watching the news, and I saw one of the "Blue Dog" democrats speaking about scraping the public option. He was instead in favor of forming co-ops. Where I agree that we should be looking at making health insurance co’s non-profit, this would still leave many Americans without health coverage.

Co-ops can bring affordable health coverage to many more Americans but it does not address the situation for the working poor. As someone that has worked in the health care field, I just can’t see co-ops as the solution. I think that it can have its place as a part, but you may still need more government involvement to bring coverage to all Americans.

Talking to some of my republican friends, you would think that the sky is falling. I have a hard time believing that private company’s would not be able to compete with a public option. One example of this is the Post Office v Fed Ex and UPS. The Post Office is government run, yet Fed Ex and UPS are still able to compete in the market.

The debate continueswe will just have to wait and see what we ultimately end up with.

Does Your Health Really Matter When It Comes To Mine?

2009-08-11T01:24:00.000-04:00

With all the hubbub about healthcare lately I feel the need to ask the question: Does your health really matter when it comes to mine? I see a lot of people saying that they don’t want to pay for someone healthcare other than their own. I can understand this feeling, I too feel as though I cam barely afford to cover my own expenses.

Looking at all the information and misinformation that is out there about the current bill on healthcare reform before congress, one is overwhelmed by all the reading. Yet looking at the responses in the news from all the town halls I feel that I am not the only one that is having a hard time taking it all in. One thing that I have noticed is that many of the people that go to the town halls seem to think that the president’s plan is for a single payer system.

A "Single Payer System" or a "Public Healthcare System" like in England , is nowhere in this bill. The government is not planning to takeover our healthcare system from what I have been reading. They are however looking to provide coverage for people that do not have the ability to afford Health coverage on their own. This is what they are calling the public option. They are proposing creating a plan similar to Medicare that would cover people under 65.

Another thing that has been floating around out there is the creation of a "Death Panel". Looking thru the information on this bill there is nothing in there about such a panel. There is however legislation in there that would cover you if you decided to talk to you doctor about end of life care options for you or a loved one that is terminally ill. You would be reimbursed for this visit no matter what you decide after the visit. This was added by the Republicans. The fact that so many of them are using this "Death Panel" argument boggles my mind considering they added it.

I have my reservations about making government larger, but a lot of the arguments being used on healthcare can be used for public education. We do not have a constitutional right to an education. Yet, where would we be if we did not have a public education system? We would not have the ability to work hard in school to better our lives if we came from lower means. We would have only an educated wealthy class.

Another fact that most people don’t think about is how inter related someone else’s access to healthcare relates to my health. Coming from a background in healthcare I do understand this relation. For one in the age of fast moving infections around the world having access to healthcare helps to reveal infection. Even with everyone having this access infection spreads rapidly. Infections tend to fester in populations that have limited healthcare. This in turn becomes a problem for the ones that do. If we allow a portion to go without care we could see more and more outbreaks of infections like we see in the third world. We could also see infections return to the U.S.A. that we have not seen for many years like Measles, Mumps, Polio, and Leprosy.

Now I have come full circle in this question. Yes, your health really matters when it comes to mine. The reality of the situation is that as our current system continued to fall apart and become more costly it will start to create large gaps in infection control. It will also continue to drive more and more American businesses into the ground. I do not like government in healthcare but we have to fundamentally change the system that we have to expand access to all resident.

Homicides Down Dramatically Statewide

2009-08-07T11:36:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday, Governor Jon S. Corzine and Attorney General Anne Milgram hailed a dramatic decline in homicides in New Jersey as they announced the results of the second phase of a statewide initiative launched last summer to target street gangs and violent crime.

There were 158 reported homicides in New Jersey in the first six months of 2009, compared to 209 during the same time period in 2008 – a 24 percent drop. In Camden, a city once plagued with violence crime, the homicide rate is down 46 percent.

“The release of these crime report statistics shows that we are winning important battles in the war against violent criminals and gangs,” said Governor Corzine. The Governor praised the work of the New Jersey law enforcement community while noting that more work remains.

“Even one act of violence against a New Jersey citizen is one too many,” Governor Corzine said.

The results are the second phase of the statewide violence reduction initiative implemented under Governor Corzine’s Strategy for Safe Streets and Neighborhoods. The initiative involves a collaborative effort across all levels of law enforcement in New Jersey to target the most violent street gangs and reduce the drug trafficking and gun violence that they inflict on our communities.

More than 4,220 arrests have been made since the initiative began last summer, including more than 1,136 suspected gang members.

At the press conference announcing the new numbers, Governor Corzine and Attorney General Milgram unveiled a new program to assist law enforcement in tracking gangs. NJ CrimeTrack, which is debuting this month, is a statewide intelligence-sharing initiative spearheaded by the State Police that will provide a database for law enforcement agencies across the state to collect, store and share their criminal intelligence related to street gangs and their illegal activities.

During the pilot phase of this program, more than 3,400 gang members have been identified. That number is expected to grow tremendously as the program is rolled out with agencies throughout the state.

Democratic Candidates for NJ Assembly District 13

2009-07-26T16:30:00.000-04:00

Robert "Bob" Brownis an attorney and retired Old Bridge police officer who was wounded in the line of duty.He was shot twice by an assailant who was exposing himself to children at an apartment complex playground.Brown returned gunfire and killed the assailant.The two bullets fired by the assailant remain lodged in his right shoulder.

At the time of his shooting, Brown was the President of the Old Bridge Police Benevolent Association Local 127 and a college student.Before he retired as a result of his injuries, Bob completed his undergraduate degree at Kean University and later received a law degree from Seton Hall University Law School in Newark, New Jersey.He has been a member of the State Bar since 1988.

Over the past 20 years, he has handled both civil and criminal cases in his solo law practice. Bob’s most notable criminal case was defending a volunteer youth baseball coach in Monmouth County who was the first person prosecuted in New Jersey for aggravated assault at a sporting event with children present under the age of 16. His most notable civil case was having New Jersey finally acknowledge that disability pensions that police and firemen receive from injuries incurred in the line of duty are tax free from income tax under both Federal and New Jersey law.

Through his law practice in the Municipal Courts throughout the 13^th Legislative in both Middlesex and Monmouth Counties, Brown has come in contact with numerous private citizens and government officials in each of the nine towns that comprise the district.This contact has given Bob the opportunity to hear and understand the issues that most concern the citizens he wants to serve.

Bob resides in Old Bridge with his wife, Anne, and his two children that graduated from the Township’s public school system and now attend college in New Jersey.

James Grenafegeis a career transition consultant and sole proprietor of Grail Consulting.Jim’s prior business experience as a human resources manager includes: employee relations and staffing, labor relations, and management development and training.Over the course of his career he has partnered with corporate officers, senior managers, middle managers and individual staff.

His professional experience as a consultant and manager was acquired over a 30 year career working in the career development, banking, and retail industries.Jim has worked for major corporations which include: Lee Hecht Harrison, The Bank of New York, Bloomingdale’s, R.H. Macy (Bamberger’s) and Radio Shack.

Jim has a Master of Arts in Counseling from Montclair State University, and he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social and Behavioral Sciences from The Johns Hopkins University.He is a member of the American Counseling Association and the National Career Development Association.

While attending Johns Hopkins, Jim played lacrosse, a lifetime passion, and was a member of two United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association national lacrosse championship teams.

Past community volunteer service includes hospice caregiver support, facilitating hospice bereavement support groups and coaching lacrosse at the local level.

Jim is originally from Huntington Township, Long Island, New York.He has lived in New Jersey since 1978.He and Cyndi, his spouse and native of New Jersey and a marketing consultant, live in Middletown.

He is an advocate for an affordable quality-of-life for all residents and for ethical transparent leadership. Jim is committed to serving the needs of New Jersey citizens and businesses.

Fireworks From the 4th.....

2009-07-05T22:35:00.006-04:00

I had a lot of fun at my friends on the 4th the fireworks were very nice. The video is about 3 min long so here are some pics as well.

NJ 12th Legislative District...

2009-06-22T11:36:00.005-04:00

Michelle Roth was Mayor of Manalapan Township in 2008, as well as Deputy Mayor in 2007 and 2006. She has served on the Manalapan Township governing body for 5 years. Having earned an M.B.A. in Finance, Michelle was a natural appointment to the budget committee. She understands the pressures that local governments face to provide services to the residents while remaining fiscally conservative.

Michelle has been successful in cutting Manalapan’s budget while maintaining services to residents. She mandated efficiency in government and employed cost reduction techniques including investing in equipment to enhance productivity and pay online options. Reductions in staff were done through attrition. She also requested a diversification of Manalapan’s banking relationships before the banking crisis hit. Michelle has continued to support investment in infrastructure, believing that having a routine maintenance plan cuts expenses for repair in the long term.

An advocate of transparency in government, Michelle spearheaded the improvements to the Township’s website and broadcast of meetings on public access channels. In addition to the budget committee, her additional liaison positions to various volunteer committees have included: Community Service (which she created with local Boy and Girls Scout troops), Economic Development, Environmental, Recreation, Special Needs, Shared Services – where cost savings were realized with local school boards and neighboring communities, Transportation, Arts Council and COAH Ad-hoc Committee.

Michelle is a strong advocate of the open space purchase and farmland preservation programs. She believes that this is the only way to control sprawl and keep property taxes in check. The more homes that are built the larger the burden existing homeowners face. During her tenure on the Township Committee, Michelle initiated the expansion of commuter parking options in Manalapan and refurbished two parks in town using in-house labor and expertise. She has successfully promoted an atmosphere of bi-partisanship in government to “get the job done”.

After earning an M.B.A. in Finance from Fordham University, Michelle worked on Wall Street before starting an investor relations consulting firm in 1987. She earned her B.A. from the State University of New York at Albany. Michelle and her husband Larry moved to Manalapan from New York in 1986. She has always taken an active role in volunteering. As a mother of three daughters, she dedicated her time to the PTO at their school when they were younger. Years later, she donated her time as a member of the Board of Trustees at Congregation Sons of Israel in Manalapan. Michelle has been actively volunteering with the township since her appointment to the Zoning Board of Adjustment in 2000. She has served for many years on the Township Planning Board, one year as Vice-Chairman and in 2003 as Chairman.

“Armed with the firm belief that one person can make a difference, I have continued to ‘think outside the box’ and make changes to improve our quality of life while exercising fiscal restraint. I am running on my record as a public servant in Manalapan Township, population 40,000.”

John Amberg was born on August 25, 1969. He is a lifelong resident of New Jersey, moving to Monmouth County when he was four. John grew up in a working class neighborhood on the Bay Shore where his parents instilled in him the values that have set the course for his life. He, like so many of us, learned the importance of a strong faith, the significance of community service and the understanding of what a good education can provide.
The grandson of German and Italian immigrants, John attended St. Agnes Elementary School in Atlantic Highlands and graduated in 1987 from Middletown High School South. After graduation, John attended St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, New Jersey receiving a Bachelor's degree in Classics and a Master's degree in Educational Administration.

John began his professional career as an elementary school teacher in Newark, New Jersey. Throughout his career he has taught students from a wide array of settings: from a Catholic school in Newark to the Essex County Youth Detention Center, and now in Irvington.

He first met his wife in high school but it wasn’t until years later while volunteering at a Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless and elderly that they started dating. John and Kathlene are now married for ten years, living in Tinton Falls with their three beautiful children, and his mother who was paralyzed by a drunk driver.

He began his involvement with The Monmouth County Friends of Clearwater at the age of seven and was the youngest member ever elected to the board of directors. John was also an original crewmember of the organization’s skipjack The Rainbow Race. He has volunteered for over two decade as the director of the St. Agnes Parish Youth Group annual play. Over the past decade John has taken over the task of preserving the memory of New Jersey’s preeminent sculptor Donald DeLue. Today, he is a member of St. Leo the Great Parish in Lincroft and a member of the Holy Name Society.

Political Views Summary: John is not a politician. He is a concerned citizen who has worked hard to educate our children, protect the environment and preserve our history. He will fight for economic transparency and cap state spending to ease the burden on hardworking taxpayers. John understands the need to keep District 12 affordable by protecting critical property tax rebate programs, like the Senior Freeze Program. It is John’s belief that by protecting New Jersey workers and creating new, better paying jobs the state's economy will grow. By investing in our children’s future through improving workforce-training programs and strengthening the NJ STARS program all students will be able to meet the challenges of the future. John wants to expand access to affordable health care and lower the cost of prescription drugs.

New Jersey’s 11th District.

2009-06-09T13:25:00.005-04:00

Randy Bishop was elected to the Neptune Township Committee in November 2004 and re-elected to his second three-year term in 2007. Randy served as Neptune’s Mayor in 2008. Randy has a broad range of experience in both the public and private sector as well as in many volunteer organizations.

Born in Hampton, Virginia, Randy studied Political Science with a specialty in International Relations at Boston University. He worked as a legislative aide to two Congressmen and later in a small software firm and for AT&T.

Randy currently serves as Committeeman and Police Commissioner of Neptune Township. Bishop is also the liaison to the Departments of Code, Construction, Courts, Police and the Neptune Senior Center.

In his community work, Randy is the immediate past President of the Ocean Grove Area Chamber of Commerce where he still serves on its Executive Board. He is also past Facilitator for the Monmouth County Shore Tourism Coalition. He currently serves as a member of the Jersey Shore University Medical Center Citizens Advisory Committee and is a past Second Vice President of the Neptune Township Democratic Club and current Executive Vice President of New Jersey Stonewall Democrats.

Randy will bring the same tireless efforts and fair, balanced reason to the State Legislature as Assemblyman for New Jersey’s 11^th District.

Randy and Dan Margo, his partner of 14 years, were joined in a Civil Union on February 21, 2007. After leaving AT&T to pursue a lifelong dream of owning a bed and breakfast, Randy and Dan founded The Melrose in the historic seashore community of Ocean Grove, New Jersey. They also own Peter Wallace, LTD, an antiques business in Lambertville, New Jersey.

Rick Bolger, 57, was born in Long Branch, raised in Highlands and now resides in Brielle, New Jersey. He is a life-long resident of Monmouth County’s 11^th District.

Rick is a graduate of Mater Dei High School, Middletown, New Jersey and Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio.

He taught economics at Cincinnati’s Purcell High School where he coached football and baseball before entering the Seton Hall University School of Law.

Rick has devoted his legal career to civil trial litigation specializing in complex medical-legal issues. His vast experience in courtrooms across the state led to his certification by the Supreme Court as a civil trial attorney in 1986 and his election to the American Board of Trial Advocates in 2004. He is a former member of the District III Ethics Committee and a frequent lecturer on trial strategy and techniques.

Rick’s political career began in 2005 when he became the first Democrat elected to the Brielle Council in more than 30 years. Making good on his campaign promise, he identified inefficiencies in the local government, offered alternative solutions and worked toward their implementation. His record in Brielle confirms his willingness to voice his opinion and the courage to stand firm in the face of personal attacks.

On January 1, 2006, Rick received a life-saving organ transplant. Since that time, Rick and his wife Mary Lou Gunteski Bolger, a former high school teacher, have dedicated themselves to the task of raising organ donor awareness. The Bolgers have a daughter Maura, who serves as an Assistant Director of Athletics for Compliance and Recruiting at Fairfield University in Connecticut.

Sean F. Byrnes For Freeholder

2009-05-27T11:29:00.002-04:00

Sean F. Byrnes is a Monmouth County native having grown up in Red Bank. He attended Saint James Grammar School and then Red Bank Regional High School, graduating in 1981. He attended the Coast Guard Academy and completed a rigorous training and academic program. While at the Academy, he rowed on the Varsity Crew Team for three years, winning gold and silver medals at the Small College National Championships in Philadelphia, PA. He graduated with Honors from the Coast Guard Academy in 1985 with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Government.

Following graduation, he served from 1985-1987 as the Operations Officer on the Coast Guard Cutter Gentian, stationed in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina. From 1987 until 1990, Sean worked for the Coast Guard Chief of Staff in the Budget Division at Coast Guard Headquarters, Washington, D.C. In this capacity, he prepared operating funds budgets for Coast Guard units throughout the United States. During this time, he was admitted into the Georgetown University Law Center and pursued his Juris Doctor degree at night while working with the Coast Guard. From 1990 through 1992, he served as the Budget and Planning Officer for the Chief Counsel of the Coast Guard. In his spare time, he rowed with the Potomoc Boat Club in Washington, D.C., winning a gold medal at the Canadian Henley Regatta in 1990. During his service with the Coast Guard from 1987 through 1992, Mr. Byrnes received several awards, including two Commendation Medals.

After completing law school in 1992, Sean entered the Coast Guard Reserve and also accepted a position with the prestigious law firm of McCarter & English in Newark, New Jersey. For the next four years, he worked as a trial lawyer defending lawsuits involving products liability, premises liability, automobile liability and other tort claims.

Anxious to return to his roots, Sean took a position in 1996 with a local Red Bank law firm that came to be known as McKenna, DuPont, Higgins & Byrnes. He continued his litigation practice in state and federal court, trying cases and developing a specialty in employment law. In 2004, he started his own law firm with an expanded general law practice. From 2004 until 2007, he also served as the Prosecutor for the Borough of Atlantic Highlands.

Throughout the 1990’s Sean continued to serve in the Coast Guard Reserve and dedicate himself to community activities and volunteerism. From 1992 until 1996, he worked on Governors Island, New York as a staff procurement law attorney with the Coast Guard. He returned to active duty for a period of time following the invasion of Iraq in 2003 and served at the Coast Guard’s Activities New York Command. More recently, he was recalled to active duty for 30 days in 2006 to serve as the Assistant Chief of Staff for the Coast Guard Sector in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. Upon his retirement in 2007 as a Commander from the Coast Guard Reserve, he was serving as the Reserve Logistics Officer, Coast Guard Sector New York.

In 2007, Sean broadened his commitment to public service when he ran for a seat on the Township Committee in Middletown. Despite Middletown’s long history of electing Republicans, Sean engendered bipartisan support and was elected to the Township Committee. Since his election, he has focused his efforts on on transparency in government, fiscal accountability and improved municipal governance. He drafted and secured passage of a resolution requiring all resolutions and ordinances to be posted on the Township website in advance of public meetings to afford citizens a more realistic opportunity to participate in the governing process. He also voted against an ordinance that placed restrictions on the videotaping of Township meetings. To improve fiscal accountability, Sean has repeatedly proposed resolutions to create a Finance Committee to begin the budget process well in advance of budget approval. He also introduced an ordinance to eliminate health benefits to Sewerage Authority Commissioners. To improve municipal governance in Middletown, Sean secured passage of a resolution establishing a Strategic Planning Committee and a Committee to implement the recently completed Recreation Master Plan. These Committees are currently meeting and drafting recommendations to be voted on by the full Township Committee.

As a local resident, Sean has placed a high priority on public service and volunteerism. He coached soccer and basketball for many years in Red Bank and Middletown. He has served on the Red Bank Board of Education, Red Bank River Center and continues to serve as one of the founding members of the Board of Trustees for the Parker Family Clinic in Red Bank. He has assumed positions of leadership on the Board of Directors for the Community YMCA, serving for five years as the Chairman of the Board for the Red Bank Branch of the YMCA and thereafter as the Chief Volunteer Officer of the Community YMCA for a period of two years. Sean is also an extraordinary minister and lector at the Church of St Leo the Great in Lincroft.

While on active duty with the Coast Guard, Mr. Byrnes met and married his wife, Anne Clabby Byrnes, who grew up in Middletown, graduating from Red Bank Catholic High School in 1981. Anne attended Rutgers University and was a Certified Public Accountant before leaving her job to raise her five children. She now works as a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker in Red Bank.

Building Hydrogen Fuel Cells for the New Green Economy

2009-05-13T23:28:00.003-04:00

The cutting edge of green technology got an official welcome in Somerset as BASF cut the ribbon on its new state of the art fuel cell production facility that will create 40 new green jobs in New Jersey. BASF develops and manufactures the central components of fuel cells, an environmentally clean power-generating technology.

Fuel cells make energy use more efficient, cost-effective and less harmful to the environment. The technology has great potential in a wide range of applications. The Somerset facility is the only fuel cell production facility in the world that can produce ready-for-production high-temperature Membrane Electrode Assembly.

Clean energy and Green jobs like these remain a top priority of Governor Corzine, who joined company officials to celebrate the launch of the facility.

"New Jersey has long been renowned for innovation and discovery,'' the Governor said at the ribbon cutting on Wednesday. "I'm pleased this tradition of excellence is being advanced in BASF's new world-class fuel cell facility. Projects like this are exactly the type of private investment commitment that will create a more sustainable environment, keep our economy moving and put people to work.''

The company's proprietary fuel cell technologies, powered solely by hydrogen, are currently being used by a number of alternative energy suppliers and as a replacement to more traditional batteries in several electronic products. The new facility will help the company meet growing demand from clients as the technology continues to gain momentum.

Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, BASF will receive $2 million over the next three years for fuel cell technology manufacturing. BASF has more than 1,900 employees in New Jersey.

(This is from the Governors Newsletter- News from the Statehouse, May 8, 2009)

Back On The List...

2009-05-11T09:48:00.002-04:00

I am Back on the list..... A Voice For The Youth Of Monmouth County is ranked 15th On BNN. It looks like we are on the way back up slowly but surely....

It’s the Spending Stupid…..Not The State….

2009-05-05T15:59:00.004-04:00

What will the Republicans do when the public find out that because of their partisanship, over spending, party payoffs, and mismanagement the residents of Middletown now have an almost 10% hike in property taxes this year. This now makes it to about a 25% hike in the last 4 years alone.

Last year, the Republican majority in Middletown sold off a cell tower that generated yearly income for the town. Over the past years the Republican majority has bonded to buy large amounts of land in town putting Middletown into more and more debt. They have refused to end payoffs to the party loyalists on the Sewer Authority, they now have two township attorneys, two engineers, and they gave the township clerk somewhere around a $30,000 a year raise last year wile the economy was falling apart.

When will Boss Carton and Madam Stanley-Coleman get the message that their use of the tax income rolls of Middletown to payoff their friends and loyalists is financially killing our town?

Mayor Brightbill has stated that “the only way to make Middletown more affordable is to cut taxes” yet she along with the Republican on the committee have done nothing but push the tax rate up. This shows that she has no interest in making Middletown more affordable for the hard working residents.

Instead of doing what is in the best interest of the residents they do what they want then try to push off blame to anyone that is not in their party. Instead of doing what is needed they whine that it’s the Democrats in the states fault. If this were true then wouldn’t every town in New Jersey then have the same high tax increases?

I would like to here why then that Fair Haven, Rumson, Cults Neck, and even the city of Long Branch have hikes ranging from none to 4% at most? I will tell you that it is not the stats fault. It is there over spending and mismanagement of our tax money that is the problem.

Tax, Tax, Taxed to Death!!!!!

2009-05-04T17:11:00.004-04:00

The Middletown GOP headed by Mayor Pam Brightbill are taxing its residents to death. A 9.2% tax increase this year alone and a 25% increase over 4 years, the same 4 years, that she has been on the committee. This in combination with the reevaluation and the current economy may push residents of Middletown to the breaking point.

It's nice to see that the Middletown GOP is "on the side of the taxpayer". Well at least that is what they keep telling us.

All the GOP does in Middletown is whine about how it's so unfair that they can't suck from the state to pay for their outrages spending. I will give them a hint, Maybe if you stop buying up all the property in town you might balance the budget......

April Showers

2009-04-17T12:56:00.005-04:00

This film Is A story about what happened during the Columbine High School tragedy. It was written and directed by one of the survivors Andrew Robinson. This is one that I think we should all see. History that goes unlearned is destined to be repeated.

From writer/director, Andrew Robinson, a survivor of the Columbine High School tragedy, comes April Showers a dramatized retelling of what it was like to be a survivor in the midst of the nation’s largest school shootings. Based largely on actual events, April Showers follows the story of Sean Ryan (Kelly Blatz, Prom Night) as he and fellow survivors attempt to make sense of the horrors they’ve just witnessed and, for Sean, coping with the loss of his friend April (Ellen Woglom, Viva Laughlin).

April Showers features a budding cast lead by Blatz, Daryl Sabara (Spy Kids, A Christmas Carol), Janel Parrish (Bratz), Ellen Woglom with Illeana Douglas (To Die For, Stir of Echoes) and Tom Arnold (Happy Endings, Gardens of the Night) rounding out the cast. Featuring breathtaking cinematography by Independent Spirit Award Nominee, Aaron Platt (Wild Tigers I’ve Known).

Andrew Robinson -Writer/Director
Unlike most filmmakers, Andrew Robinson never set out to become one. At the age of 13, Andrew and his family relocated to Littleton Colorado where he would eventually attend Columbine High School. During his time at Columbine, Robinson fell into the dramatic arts and became a staple in school as well as local and statewide productions. However, the morning of April 20th 1999 changed all of that.

Robinson eventually moved to Southern California to study advertising and film at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. Robinson graduated Art Center in the spring of 2003 and began working as an art director for various entertainment design firms.

In 2005 Robinson directed his first feature, “Shimmer”, which he wrote while in college. “April Showers” marks Robinson’s second feature length effort. Robinson has recently begun working on the film adaptation of “Dancing Carl” based on the novel by three-time Newbery Honor author Gary Paulsen. “Dancing Carl” is set to begin production in 2009.

Who Will Be Teabagging Who?

2009-04-15T00:51:00.003-04:00

Tax day is here let the teabagging begin. Just a little note to all you teabaggers out there this is how it's really done. It will also make for an interesting tea party.

Where did the conservative right go wrong?

I think that the idea of a teabagging party is being wasted on the conservative right. I think that the gay rights movement would be better served by this type of display. I am almost shocked that they didn't think of it first, or they did and thought it too vulgar.

Another funny fact of this mass teabagging is that it is intended to be in the spirit of the Boston Tea Party. For all you right wingers out there the Boston Tea Party was against taxation without representation. In America today all Americans except perhaps the ones in Washington D.C are represented in our government. So you are really reaching for a founding fathers position in this one. But hay, if you want to go around and teabagg people to protect tax cuts for wealthy bankers, CEOs extra who am I to stop you.... Have fun with that...

Teabagging? Who? What?

2009-04-11T17:40:00.001-04:00

I know it is going to be hard to get thru this one with a straight face. It seems that the conservative right wants to have a tea party and tea dances in the streets of Washington. What has happened to the conservatives in America today. The modern meaning if some of these terms is quite different today ask most anyone under their mid 40s.

Tea dance= A dance party held at a gay club on Sunday afternoon.
Teabagging= A man placing his male parts on someone's head.

It's nice to know that the Republicans are finally getting in touch with their inner self. I wonder if Art and Christie will be joining in on all the fun?

Food Drive for the Food Bank

2009-04-10T00:22:00.003-04:00

The Brookdale Democrats are continuing their mission of serving the community by hosting another food drive. This food drive will benefit the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean County.

We began collecting for this food drive on April 1st and we will continue to collect through May 12th (last day of Brookdale Community College 2009 spring semester). There are collection drop-off boxes at the main Brookdale Community College campus in Lincroft (box is in the Student Life Center building) as well as the Brookdale Higher Education Centers, including Lincroft, Freehold, Hazlet, Long Branch, Neptune, and Wall.

Go to: http://foodbankmoc.org/Running_a_Food_Drivei.htm for a list of items we will be collecting. (Note: We are collecting everything on the list except for perishable food items.)

Any questions, please contact:

Michael Lee (President of the Brookdale Democrats)

908-433-1383

Mikejl26@yahoo.com

Also, visit the Brookdale Democrats' website: http://www.brookdaledemocrats.org/

Monmouth County SPCA Collection Drive

2009-04-10T00:06:00.005-04:00

The Brookdale Democrats are continuing their mission of serving the community by hosting a collection drive for the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
We will be collecting from April 1st through April 30th. There are collection drop-off boxes at the main Brookdale Community College campus in Lincroft (box is in the Student Life Center building) as well as the Brookdale Higher Education Centers, including Lincroft, Freehold, Hazlet, Long Branch, Neptune, and Wall.
Go to: http://www.monmouthcountyspca.org/donations.htm#WishList for a list of items we will be collecting. (Note: We are collecting everything on the wish list except for perishable food items.)
Any questions, please contact:
Michael Lee (President of the Brookdale Democrats)
908-433-1383
Mikejl26@yahoo.com

Also, visit the Brookdale Democrats' website: http://www.brookdaledemocrats.org/

Govenor Jon Corzine on His Budget

2009-03-30T20:48:00.002-04:00

Dear Matthew,

A few weeks ago, I delivered my fourth budget address to the people of New Jersey and outlined a detailed and specific set of priorities that will keep New Jersey ahead of the curve in the midst of the national recession, while ensuring that we continue to protect the most vulnerable among us. Here is a sample of what some newspaper editorial boards had to say:

“Governor Corzine’s…budget protects residents struggling the most in this economic crisis...It’s all about protecting the middle class." ~ The Philadelphia Inquirer

“We’re glad that cuts rather than tax increases constitute the bulk of Corzine’s plan” ~ The Courier Post

“Corzine makes smart budget moves...The Corzine budget: preserve aid to schools and towns so we can invest in our children, stabilize property taxes, protect health care for seniors. Yet his 2010 budget is one billion dollars less than his first budget, four years ago." ~ The Star Ledger

“This bare bones budget is certain to be unpopular in Trenton, but it is right.” ~ The Courier Post

We were the first state in the nation to respond to the recession with a comprehensive economic recovery program. Because we chose to do the right things yesterday, we are able to keep doing the right things today.

As most of you know, we have an election coming up this November and our opponents have already started the political season by attacking us for acting responsibly in the face of economic challenges. This isn't a time for empty criticism without offering realistic solutions. This is a time for responsible action.

We have begun a radio ad campaign informing people about the positive reaction we have received about the budget, but we will need your support in the coming months to make sure the people of New Jersey understand the critical urgency of this election.

I'll be contacting you in the coming weeks with some important announcements about our plans for the future and how you can help. I am counting on that help so that we can keep doing what is right for our state, our economy and our people.

Sincerely,

Jon Corzine

Press Conference at Brookdale

2009-03-09T19:13:00.004-04:00

This Thursday, the Brookdale Democrats will host a press conference at Brookdale Community College. We will have a special guest announcing his intention to seek the Democratic nomination for assembly of the 13th legislative district. All are welcome to attend this press conference which will be held on Thursday, March 12th from 12:00PM to 1:00PM in the Student Life Center's Navesink II Room (otherwise known as SLC 217).

See you there.

President of the Brookdale Democratic Club
Michael Lee

Brookdale Community College does not endorse any political candidate or party.

Stimulus Package

2009-02-19T22:46:00.003-05:00

Now that the stimulus package has been passed and signed by Obama in Denver, CO earlier this week: What's next? How can we help this stimulus package move towards nationwide success? It definitely needs our support and guidance, but how? Any ideas or insights into what actions we should do?

Zenon Christodoulou

2009-02-19T20:19:00.004-05:00

Today, at the Brookdale Democratic Club meeting, we were very lucky to have Zenon Christodoulou, a member of the Hillary Clinton's financial team, come and speak about his experiences as a community organizer and the importance of community organizing within the Obama campaign. He took an in depth look at his personal involvement in the past two presidential elections. It was a wonderful success! Even though we only had ten people in attendance, we were fortunate to have an one-on-one discussion with Zenon. One of the topics that we discussed was the negative role that the media plays in our modern society. We came to realize that the media controls everything. We have allowed the media to become a mega empire that has its own agenda for America. We must not let that go on any longer. We must take action.

We also discussed how we, as the youth of America, need to stay active and involved. We must pay close attention to how our elected officials run our country. We must recognize their successes, but challenge them more so on their blunders and mistakes. We, as Americans, must not just cast our vote on election day and let the politicians play. We must oversight our elected officials; it is our job. Technically, we are their bosses; we are in charge of hiring new prospect officials and firing the politicians that are not positively contributing towards the goals and dreams of the majority of Americans.

Everyone stay active; be educated on issues from all aspects, right and left. Respect others' opinions and views, but do not undermined yours.

I'll leave you with something Zenon said that really startled and scared me: In a recent study, Americans spend, on average, five minutes a week discussing, listening, and/or reading about politics. How can one do that? It is sickening to hear that people just do not care or have the time. But, whatever; it's just our lives and ways of life that are at stake.

A New Voice On A Voice For The Youth M.C.

2009-02-19T16:50:00.001-05:00

If you haven't noticed there is a new voice on this blog. His Name Is Michael Lee and he is the President of the Brookdale Democratic Club. Michael will be updating all the readers of this blog on the happenings with the student body at Brookdale Community College. As well As post topics and issues that many college students face. Also check out the Young Dems web site for more info and to join.

Food Drive for The Center in Asbury Park

2009-02-18T22:04:00.002-05:00

The Brookdale Democrats at Brookdale Community College in lincroft, New Jersey are sponsoring a Food Drive for the month of February. The collection of nonperishable food products will benefit the organization, The Center in Asbury Park, New Jersey. The Center is a volunteer service organization made up of people from all faiths who come together in response to the growing AIDS crisis in our society. Their mission is to be of personal service to those in the community affected by HIV disease both those actually living with the virus, as well as their family, friends, and caregivers. At The Center, the bottom line is making a difference in the lives of these individuals. The Brookdale Democrats placed a drop-off box at every Brookdale campus including all of its Higher Education Centers. You can also drop off your donations at The Center (806 Third Avenue, Asbury Park 07712).

Please check out The Center's website: http://www.thecenterinap.com/index.html

Any questions, please contact me:

Michael Lee (President of the Brookdale Democrats)

908-433-1383

Mikejl26@yahoo.com

Going down in ‘09, and the changes the state needs to make…..

2009-01-27T14:03:00.000-05:00

With consumer confidence down to an all time low, and the announcement of 70,000 jobs lost yesterday along with more expected today, how low will we go in 2009? Another question I have is, what will the state government do to ease tax burdens in the State of New Jersey?

Yesterday, I was talking to a friend that told me that her family was planning to move to Florida. When I asked her what has prompted the move, she told me taxes. Her parents pay $100,000 in property taxes a year on there Middletown property. This does not include her property which is also in Middletown.

Needless to say my mouth dropped when I heard this. I also thought to my self that it was too bad that they couldn’t get the Judith Stanley-Coleman property tax cut for “bee-ing” important.

Things are looking like they will continue on a downward path for the rest of 2009. This is leading to perceived budget shortfalls all over the state. In my opinion, the state and local governments need to freeze all new spending in there new budgets except public safety. Followed by starting with a zero balance budget, and a cap in spending for all departments, again except in the area of public safety.

The state also needs to freeze its new affordable housing quotas to give time for the housing market to stabilize. The reason for this is because the rapid decline in housing value has led to an increase in naturally accruing affordable housing in many areas in the state. This needs to be assessed and deducted from the quotas in these areas.

New Jersey should also do a good house cleaning when it comes to state programs. The state needs to evaluate the effectiveness of all of its programs. Programs that have been ineffective have to be fixed and slimmed down, or have to be eliminated from the budget.

With the budget looked at in this manner, I feel that the state would be able to cut state spending drastically. I know that looking at the state budget in this manner is not always popular but the state can no longer afford to grow and we have hit the limits of how much the taxes can go up.

The Slow Role

2009-01-17T15:17:00.001-05:00

Watching the TV today I can't help but be moved by the growing excitement with the inauguration of President-elect Obama. In my lifetime, I would have never expected to see such mass excitement over the election of a president. The more I see, the more I feel that America is being reborn.

4 Days to History

2009-01-16T15:44:00.002-05:00

With only four days to go until the inauguration of President-elect Obama, my excitement level is through the roof. With the Bush Years finally at an end this country can look to better times in the future. One thing that can be said without a question is that today our country is a lot worse off then it was 8 years ago. We are also a little less free then we were 8 years ago.

Many of the problems the President-elect Obama will face in the coming days are the ones that were created during the Bush White House. Under Bush this country was drained by two wars one of which was may not have been necessary. Then the Bush White House made moves to deregulate Wall Street, which lead to the collapse of the financial markets.

With investment in this county’s infrastructure, to bring it into the 21st century to meet the needs of today and the needs we will have tomorrow. Combined with investment in education, this will lay the ground work for a return to prosperity in the coming future.

This Tuesday I hope you will be celebrating like I will. Celebrating, not only this historical moment but that we get to turn the page on the Bush years to better ones in the future.

A Return To Blogging

2009-01-06T11:22:00.000-05:00

After a short retreat, I have returned. Let’s see if we can make this NJ #1 blog this year.

Holiday Wishes

2008-11-26T14:36:00.002-05:00

This year food banks across the county are finding it hard to keep up with all the new people in need of assistance over the holidays. It is true that donations are up but so are the people that are in need of assistance. This is just a sign of the times. With the economic situation nationally looking grim, I am asking you to take some time and a couple of dollars to help the ones in need in our community.

Please visit the websites below to find out how you can help.

http://www.foodbankmoc.org/
http://www.sefan.org/gpage.html12.html

Happy Thanksgiving All

Is The Right Really Right

2008-11-15T12:10:00.002-05:00

By Matthew Morehead

I remember as a child my father always telling me that the conservative right was always right. As I grew older I began to see that a total hands off approach to government was not exactly a good thing. My father on the other had still does. He also continues to warn me about the communist left as he call it. To answer this question I took the fundamental principles of the right and the left.

On the left there is a fundamental belief that it is the job of government to provide oversight of key industries. There is also a belief that there needs to be safety nets in place to help the American people in their time of need. In modern times the left has relied more on diplomacy then flexing our military and economic muscle to solve problems around the world. A belief that healthcare and education is a fundamental right tends to be quite prevalent amongst the left as well.

The right believes that the place of government is only for protection of the borders and to be the keeper of a stable unified monetary system. They also believe that government should have little if any role in commerce and industry. In other words that the markets should be free to adjust on their own without interference. Many on the right also believe that things like healthcare and education should be left to the privet sector. Social safety nets to many on the right are also frowned upon. Many feel that it makes the population lazy.

Looking at these schools of thought one can see why politics in America can become quite bitter. It has turned into a battle of the ones that have and the ones that don't have. Americans from the upper middle class and wealthy tend to gravitate to the Republican right. While Americans from the mid and lower middle class to the poor tend to go to the Democratic left. This makes me ask myself, is either side right? In my opinion neither side is right, but if I had to pick a side that is more right I would have to say that the left is more right.

(Matthew Morehead is chairman of the Monmouth County Bayshore Young Democrats. To find out more go to www.avoicefortheyouthmc.bolgsopt.com)

Do Young Adults Still Face Rising Costs For Education

2008-11-13T18:18:00.001-05:00

By Matthew Morehead

Over the past 5 or so years collage age young adults have seen the cost of education skyrocket. President-elect Obama has promised to curb the rising cost of education. My question is, when he is sworn in on January 20th will we see the costs of education decrease by the beginning on the next school year? If not, how long will it take to live up to the promises of the Democratic Party has made?

Many of the men and women in the Democratic Party running for senate and congress across the country have placed an emphasis on making collage education more affordable. This is one of the most important issues to the younger voter across the country. This is also one of the reasons that there were record numbers of young adults at the polls.

I feel that in order for the democratic majority to move forward with its plan to create a "green" economy. They will have to invest in education in order to train the new work force that is needed. Not investing in the education of the next generation will do nothing but inshore that the best days are behind us and that America will not be the prosperous nation that it once was. This is why I feel that this year's campaign promises when it comes to education will be lived up to.

Change is a big thing. Some time it takes time, but sometimes it comes quit rapidly. It's my hope that the new incoming administration will be able to bring rapid relief to the young people of this nation. This also goes for here at home. The state of New Jersey should follow the lead of the federal government, as should our hopefully new incoming Democratic majority in Monmouth County. Education is one of the most important parts of a thriving economy, a thriving democracy, and a thriving nation. Without the investment in education that was promised, I fear that the division in class will only grow and the middle class will completely disappear.

(Matthew Morehead is chairman of the Monmouth County Bayshore Young democrats. For more information go to www.avoicefortheyouthmc.blogspot.com)

Middletown More Of The Same

2008-11-13T01:14:00.003-05:00

With this year's election over we can all breathe a sigh of relief, or can we? With the retention of control of Middletown by the GOP the resident of Middletown can expect more of the same. the same closed government, the same tax hikes, the same intolerance to differing opinions, and the same bashing of concerned residents. The Middletown GOP might be able to breathe a sigh of relief, but the resident have allot to be worried about.

This year's election was one for the record books. In Middletown we had over a 70% turnout to the polls. We also had a record number of youth turn out. This I am happy for, but the result I am not. From my first look at the results it looks to me that Sen. Mc Cain actually helped the Middletown GOP. Many of the older unaffiliated voter trended in his direction. On the other had many of the younger voter trended in President-elect Obama's direction, but were out voted 5 to 1 by their older family members. these number are nonofficial they are based on some exit polling that was done.

With the re-election of Deputy Mayor Pamela Brightbill and election of Toni Fiore , Middletown resident are in for at least 2 more years of republican bleeding of the town dry. It is sad to see the town that I love so much be destroyed slowly by people that seem to only be in it for their power and the greed of their Chairman Peter Carton who has made money for years off Middletown racking up debt. In a time where the average tax payer is worried about losing their shirt, we put the people who are making Middletown less affordable back into power.

It is my hope that the Middletown GOP doesn't let their win go to their head and does what is right for the town. Instead of what they have in the past and only do what is right for Mr. Carton and themselves.

Monmouth County Bayshore Young Dems Join Facebook

2008-11-09T17:05:00.004-05:00

Today the Monmouth County Bayshore Young Democrats expanded their web presence with the creation of a Facebook Profile. I hope you have a chance to visit our new profile that joins our myspace, website, forum, and this blog.

With growing interest in politics from our young people. It is my feeling that these tools along with our very public stance on youth issues, that we will only continue to grow in numbers. this in turn will bring a voice to the next generation.

A Reflection on Change In America

2008-11-08T02:59:00.002-05:00

By Matthew Morehead

With the selection of president-elect Obama, I feel that America in on the verge of a new golden age. Obama a young half black half white President, I feel reflects a new America. Along with his stance alongside the middle class, and his more liberal views on social issues. Is what the America of today really is.

The old days of social conservatism, and allowing "the markets" to run freely are over. Personally, I feel that "the markets" would fix themselves if there were some oversight on corporate practices. If you asked a total liberal they would most likely tell you that total oversight is needed of our banking and financial systems. A concretive would tell you that "the markets" fix themselves. I fall somewhere in between this.

I feel that a system left totally to its self will expand rapidly but in the end it allows for a situation like the one that we are in to happen. On the other hand a system that is totally regulated can become bogged down which would slow growth. This is why there needs to be a balance between the two. This would allow for growth but has the opportunity to avert disaster.

When it comes to our graduated tax system. Giving tax cuts to the ones at the top was the old way of doing things. By allowing President Bush's tax cut to expire and giving a tax cut to middle income Americans will be one of the most beneficial solutions in the current crises. The largest contributing factor to our present crises was the mortgage meltdown. Giving a tax cut to Middle income Americans would put more money in their pockets, which would help them to better afford their mortgages.

Investing more money in our ageing infrastructure, will intern allow for more growth in the long run. It will also create jobs, cut costs, and decrease our dependence on energy from outside our country. This is needed so that America can continue to lead the world in technology and quality of life in the future.

These are just some of the ways that we can bring a new golden age to America. This is what I supported president-elect Obama. I feel his plan for the future of America, was the best one offered between the two. This, with his ability to inspire people to get involved from all walks of life not only in our nation but around the world. Will give him the ability to accomplish many things during his administration.

(Matthew Morehead is Chairman of the Monmouth County Bayshore Young Democrats. To find out more go to www.aviocefortheyouthmc.blogspot.com.)

Youth Speak Out Nationwide Letter

2008-11-07T01:51:00.001-05:00

Letter to the Editor

November 6, 2008

Youth Speak Out Nationwide

To the Editor,

In this past election, one fact became quite clear: That fact is that the youth of America are no longer sleeping. With now president-elect Obama sweeping the electoral votes, it became quite clear that the thing that some have feared and others have been awaiting actually happened. The youth spoke out, with many in my generation feeling the pains of war, lack of an affordable place to live, a good job, the ability to pay for higher education, and the availability of affordable healthcare. The veil lifted, and we spoke with what seamed one voice: "Change Now".

I will not say that every young person voted for the same candidate, but no matter who they came out to vote for, the message to the ones in power was the same. Now it is up to the people we have elected to heed the call and bring prosperity back to America. It is my hope that our elected officials will do this.

We have achieved what seemed to be the imposable. With this achievement also comes a huge responsibility. Not only from our elected officials but from the youth as well. It is up to us to make the ones we voted for live up to their word.

I would also like to congratulate many of the 150 members of the Monmouth County Bayshore Young Democrats for the work they did during this election season. Many of them worked with the Obama campaign and local elections in our area. I would also like to thank the 50 members of the Brookdale Democratic Club which is also part of my organization for all the work they did as well.

One of the highlights of this year's campaign to me is that my co-chair Rebecca Kane from Highlands, won her bid for office in her town. Congratulations Rebecca, and I can't wait to be there to see you sworn in. I know you will bring grate changes to your town.

Matthew Morehead
Chairman-Monmouth County Bayshore Young Democrats

The Youth Speak Out

2008-11-06T01:06:00.001-05:00

With this year's election over the proof is in the pudding as they say. Nationwide the youth came to the polls in record numbers. The vale of silences was lifted from the youth. All year I stated that record numbers on young voters would come to the polls. Today is one of most bitter sweet in my life. Although not all of the people I was rooting for got elected there is still allot to be grateful for.

To start, now President-elect Obama won a sweeping electoral victory. It looks like we picked up a seat in the county which means that Monmouth County is now blue. We picked up seats in many towns throughout the county. Including Highlands which is the home of my Co-chair Rebecca Kane, who won her bid for town council. Congratulations Rebecca I can't wait to be there to see you sworn in.

The commitment of the members of my organization to brining better government to Monmouth County and New Jersey can't be more evident. With people like Rebecca Kane and others that not only ran for office but also became county committee people. Along with others that are looking to become county committee people.

I would like to thank my 150 members for all their work and dedication. I would also like to thank the 50 members of the Brookdale Democratic Club which is also part of my organization as well, for all their work this year. Without young people like all of you the changes we made throughout Monmouth County and our country would not have been possible.

This Election Year

2008-10-29T14:00:00.002-04:00

It Never Stops to amaze me that the Republican Party as a whole fights for power on lies and fear. Look at McCain's campaign instead of sticking to the issues he is using his money to run a smear campaign. In the local elections it more of the same. Toni and Pamie are doing nothing to address the issues their whole campaign is based solely on one thing that's attacking one of their opponents. Their campaign looks more like a neighborhood vendetta, Shamie Pamie thinks that she can doge her past three years of raising taxes by spreading lies and playing on fears.

All I have to say is that after this year's campaign, I do not know how the Republicans can look themselves in the mirror anymore. They have no honor left in my eyes. I almost can't wait for Nov. 4th, when they find out that the people of this nation and town don't like what they are doing and vote them out.

Republican Play Dirty In Sign Wars

2008-10-29T13:31:00.003-04:00

To the Editor,

The Monmouth County Republican majority has made it quite clear that it opposes residents under 30 years of age having an option if it differs from their own. The Brookdale Democratic Club put signs up the said "Brookdale Students Vote Obama," and by the next day the orders came down from high-ranking Republican appointees to remove the signs.

When I called the county to find out what happened to the signs, I spoke with Mr. John Tobia, and he stated that he gave the order for the signs to be removed. Mr. Tobia is the Republican-appointed head of the Public Works Department and is a former elected official from Wall Township. When I asked him why the signs were being taken down, he first blamed a Middletown sign ordinance. After I told him that there was no such ordinance and that the Middletown Republicans had signs up stating "Middletown Votes McCain Yes, Obama No" for weeks, he had no real reply other than I could have the signs back.

A day or so later I was told that the reason that the signs were taken down was because it had "Brookdale" on them. I could understand this point, but the signs were not stating that the collage was voting for Obama: They were stating that the students were. In this case, the name is being used as an adjective.

Now I hear that Middletown Mayor Gerard Scharfenberger used his Monmouth University e-mail account to send out attack e-mails against the opposing Middletown candidates. In this case, he was directly sending out political e-mails as a member of the staff of Monmouth University.

Do the Republicans in Middletown and Monmouth County have any honor left? It is OK for them to use universities to endorse candidates or attack opposing candidates, but when students try to voice their opinions, the Republicans do what they can to silence them. This is not what Monmouth County or Middletown needs more of.

On Nov. 4, send a message to the Republican Party that you are not happy with their fear tactics or bullying. Vote for a change.

Matthew Morehead
Chairman-Monmouth County Bayshore Young Drmocrats

Palin Belongs To A Cult Church?.....

2008-09-14T15:06:00.002-04:00

I found this online. America needs religion but not a leader that is from a church that has been described by many main stream churches as a "cult."

Mc Bush's VP a Hindrance Not Benefit to Get Hillary Voters...

2008-08-30T16:44:00.004-04:00

Mc Bush choosing the most social conservative woman he could find, is more of an insult than a benefit in getting Hillary supporters. Gov. Palin stands with only a minority of women on the issues. She is Pro-Life , Anti-Gay, and a hunter that loves her guns. If you look at the female demographic in America today this just does not fit. In my opinion and that of many of my female friends (I took a poll last night) she is out of touch on many issues. Another reason that she is a bad pick is that she has even less experience than Sen. Obama. It was only a year and a half ago she was a mayor of a small town(pop. 8,500). Now she is governor of a state that only has a population of 670,000(Monmouth County, NJ pop. 635,285).

When you are looking at the GOP ticket you have to take into consideration the age and health of Mc Bush. He will be the oldest first term president in American history (if elected). Another thing that you have to take into consideration is that he has had a lot of health problems over recent years. Taking this into consideration , Gov. Palin has a good chance of becoming president. Unlike in the case of Sen. Obama's ticket. This is why the VP pick is more important on the GOP ticket.

On the other hand there are issues that I do agree with het on. One is government corruption, she took on not only members of the other party, but members of her own party to try to end the culture of corruption in her state. Another thing that I like about her is that she is willing to put her money and family where her mouth is, from what I have read about her. She is well spoken and seems to be intelligent. Even with this, I still feel that she is out of touch with many voter across America.

All in all, she is a big risk. I have to give Mc Bush credit for having the gonads to take such a risk. I think it is wonder full that both tickets in this year's election are historic. I think it is going to make for a very interesting election season. I would also like to take this chance to congratulate Gov. Palin on her nomination and I wish her luck...

Republicans Have Shut The Door On The Youth

2008-08-30T12:41:00.000-04:00

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

August 28, 2008

Republicans Have Shut The Door On The Youth

To the Editor:

The polices of the Republican Party in Middletown have made it so that young residents have few options other than to leave the town they grew up in. Mayor Gerard Scharfenberger and Deputy Mayor Pamela Brightbill, under the direction of their municipal chair Peter Carton - who has made lots of money putting Middletown into debt as the bond issuer - have shut the door to young adults in their town.

Mayor Scharfenberger and Deputy Mayor Brightbill have stated on many occasions that the only way to make Middletown more affordable is to lower taxes. Yet in this year's budget they raised the taxes in Middletown by over 7 percent. This goes to show that they cannot even put Middletown's money where their mouth is. Mayor Scharfenberger and Deputy Mayor Brightbill have a lot to say for not even being able to back it up with actions.

They have also stated that it will cost taxpayers $18 billion for affordable housing. This is a totally absurd number. The truth is that if done right, it will cost the taxpayers nothing. They have also stated that it will put thousands of children into Middletown's school system. This also is totally blown way out of proportion. You would have to put two to three children of school age into each unit built to get this number. As we all know, seniors and most unmarried young adults do not have any children. So I ask you how will 800 units, not the 8,000 units they have stated publicly, and 50 percent of which are rentable intended for singles or the housing intended for seniors, put thousands of children in Middletown's schools?

How much longer can the Middletown taxpayers afford the fear polices of the Peter Carton-led Republican Party? How much longer until it will be you and not just your children that have to move out of Middletown?

Michael Shamlian

What Will The Monmouth County Young Republicans Do......

2008-08-27T01:00:00.003-04:00

Recently I pointed out some of the short comings of my counterpart in the Monmouth County Young Republicans, Eric Sedler. He was not so happy with me when I told him to insert his foot when he decided to open his mouth about race issues. He felt that I was being unfair to him and that I took what he said out of context (even know I put the entirety of his statement in the post). He also said that he feels that I owe him an apology. I on the other hand feel that I was more than fair to Mr. Sedler and that if he cannot take his faults being pointed out in public then he is in the wrong line of work. I endure much worse from his friends in the Republican Party.

The reason that I took so long in responding is that I have been thinking. Not so much on how to respond, but instead about how the dialog between Mr. Sedler and I could be beneficial to young adults. As many of you know, I do allot of work with students and young adults throughout Monmouth County. I am always looking to expand the public's understand of issues that relate to the younger voter. Maybe, a little back and forth with my counterpart in the Young Republican Party would be just what the doctor ordered.

I know that you have your work cut out for you considering that 44 percent of people under 30 call themselves Democrats where only 18 percent call themselves Republicans. Also going by last school years Republican Club membership at the colleges compared to the numbers in the Democratic Club. I can understand why you stay out of the public forum more often than not. You do not have the numbers to back what you are saying when it comes to the public forum like I do. I was a Young Republican, I find it sad to see that you hold on to your talking points and failed policies. You also fail to see that the Republicans have sold our future to try to maintain power for themselves.

So let me ask you now. What do you say, how about a little back and forth on some of the issues?

Young Residents Seek Change In Local Government

2008-08-26T23:56:00.001-04:00

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

August 27, 2008

Young Residents Seek Change In Local Government

To the Editor:

The time has come for a change in Middletown and Monmouth County. For the past 20 years the Republicans in Monmouth County have put policies in place that have made it harder to get a start in life, at least in Monmouth County. When it comes to affordable housing, the Middletown GOP, like the Monmouth County GOP, have made it quite clear that the only places that they feel should be affordable are places that are already diverse, such as Asbury Park, Keansburg, and Long Branch. Towns like Middletown and Rumson were allowed to continue their economic segregation.

Young people throughout Monmouth County are starting to speak up for change. It is time for the policies of the past to come to an end. It is time to say "No" to Freeholder Director Lillian Burry, "No" to Councilman John Curley; "No" to Deputy Mayor Pamela Brightbill, "No" to Anthony Fiore, and "No" to their policies that have pushed the young residents out of Monmouth County. The GOP in Monmouth County has done nothing but blame others while they raise our taxes; in Middletown there was over a 7 percent hike in property taxes this year alone. This is from the people that say we have to reign in out of control spending and lower taxes.

The young residents of Monmouth County can no longer afford to stand by quietly while the Republican Party sells our future to pay for the corruption and greed of the past 20 years. The question that you have to ask yourself this November is, can you?

Blake Huntley

Why The Youth is Leaving The Republican Party

2008-08-26T16:42:00.001-04:00

Why The Youth is Leaving The Republican Party

By Matthew Morehead

In a recent story in the Washington Post, there was a story that talked about the National Young Republicans. In this story, results of a Washington Post-ABC News poll showed that 44 percent of voters under 30 call themselves Democrats where on the other had only 18 percent call themselves Republicans. This continues to show a trend of a slow death for the Republican Party.

I am 28 years old. I was a registered Republican for 9 years. I voted straight Republican for about 8 of the years. I voted for President George W. Bush twice, I voted for Freeholder Lillian Burry, Freeholder Robert Clifton (the first time), Mayor Gerard Scharfenberger (the first time), Deputy Mayor Pamela Brightbill, and Committeeman Thomas Wilkens. They have done nothing but lie and try to confuse the public. They have raised our taxes, and they used fear to try to maintain their power. I will not vote for any of them again. Nor will I vote for any of their running mates.

As a former Republican I can tell you that the GOP is just that "old." The Republicans have not only lost touch of the young adults in Gen-Next, but they have moved away from their base. The Republican party of today uses fear and wraps themselves in our flag to maintain power. The truth that they try to cover up with their rhetoric is the fact that they are the ones putting our country into debt. The national debt is about $9.5 trillion and is estimated to be $10 trillion by January 21, 2009. This is up from $5.73 trillion in 2001. Our debt is so high that a number of the nations that usually buy our debt have told the United States that they will not be doing so this year. This is because the fundamentals of our economy are not good. If they were then other nations would have no problem investing in America.

Where have all the young Republicans gone? They have left. The republicans have made it harder to get a start in not only our area but also in our nation as well. This is why many former young republicans have left the party. They have sacrificed the future of the youth of our nation in order to maintain their power today. I left the Republican Party because they left the youth a long time ago. Their polices have left a debt that we will have pay, and they have put the ability to go to college out of the reach of many young men and women in our country. They have put the youth of our nation in harm's way without making shore they had the tools they needed, nor do they give them the treatment they need when they return home. They feel that having a place to live is just a luxury; they have no problem with the youth of this nation being forced into communal living just to survive.

In my time as a Democrat (about one year), I have been allowed to speak my mind. I have been given the opportunity to help others in my community, I have been given a voice so I can stand up and fight for young adults in our area. In one year I have built a Young Democratic Organization about 70 members strong and growing throughout Monmouth County, and I have had the Brookdale Democrats join the organization. One of the most telling parts of the current political climate is that about 60 percent of the organization is former Republicans. This is where many of the Young Republicans have gone. This is also why the future of the Grand Old Party looks bleak.

(Matthew Morehead is chairman of the Monmouth County Bayshore Young Democrats and is author of avoicefortheyouthmc.bolgspot.com.)

Michelle Obama shows that she is the true representation of what an American First Lady should be

2008-08-26T00:13:00.001-04:00

Michelle Obama shows that she is the true representation of what an American First Lady should be. Tonight's speech was a wonderful all American story. Not the story of a princess but one of a woman who came from an average all American family that struggled to not only help the ones in their family but the ones in there community. Watch video above.

Brookdale Young Dems And Monmouth County Young Dems Announce Continued Partnership

2008-08-22T14:01:00.001-04:00

Press Release

For Immediate Publication

August 22, 2008

Brookdale Young Dems And Monmouth County Young Dems Announce Continued Partnership

Middletown Township (Monmouth County, NJ): Today the Monmouth County Bayshore Young Democrats Chairman, Matthew Morehead and the Brookdale Democratic Club President, Scott Jackson announced their continued partnership.

"With a new school year upon us, as well as one of the most important elections in recent times this partnership can only grow stronger," Mr. Jackson said. " Not only will it grow stronger, but with the high turn out of young voters in the primaries, this partnership will change the dynamic of county and local politics as we know it."

"With last school years merging of the two sister groups we made history in Monmouth County, for the first time in the school's history the student population and the young population of Monmouth County as a whole stood up and said, 'No More to the status quo of corruption and lies in the county,'" Morehead said. " One of the more amazing facts that is showing a shift in Monmouth County is that a number of the young people in both groups are former Republicans."

Morehead went on to say that Mr. Jackson is one of the Directors of the Monmouth County Bayshore Young Democrats. The president of the Brookdale Democrats will have a permanent seat on the board and that any president of the Brookdale Democrats will fill this seat. This is the only logical next step in merging the two groups together. Our continued cooperation is something that many in the current county majority did not want to see. Historically any time the youth organizes and speaks out in numbers it has led to change throughout the country.

"We can no longer sit back and wait for others to make the change happen, it is up to us to make that change happen today", Mr. Jackson said. "Generation Next has made it quite clear that we are not happy with the direction that our country is going in and we see the only hope we have is to change it before its too late."

Jackson went on to say that both groups are actively recruiting new members and all are welcome. The problems that we face are not only national ones but they are here at home too. It has been to long that the youth of this nation has been silent. While we have seen polices that have diminished out ability to get a good start in life and get an education. Things have only gotten worse for the next generation while the ones in power have only gotten rich.

"The real crime is that the next generation is paying for the sins of the past 20 years of lies and corruption", Morehead said. "If we don't speak out now there will be nothing left to fix when we inherit it in the future."

###

Middletown GOP Selling Future For Political Capital

2008-08-22T13:58:00.001-04:00

Letter to the Editor

August 20, 2008

Middletown GOP Selling Future For Political Capital

To The Editor:

The Middletown GOP is selling the future of its youth to pay for the mismanagement of its affordable housing obligation. Middletown's stance that it has no choice but to fight its obligation is nothing more than continued smoke and mirrors. Middletown has had over 20 years to deal with its affordable housing obligation. Instead it had avoided it.

Middletown has had 20 years to use RCAs but why if this was such an important tool in dealing with its obligation did Middletown not pay for its RCAs. One reason is because its second round plan was never certified by COAH. This is because it did not meet the guidelines of its obligations. Middletown has consistently tried to fudge its numbers and tried to get credit for things that it knew it could not get credit for.

Middletown was ordered to repay a trust fund that was intended to pay for its affordable housing. Instead of going to what is was intended for it went to administration. This just shows that every aspect of Middletown's handling of its obligation has been mismanaged. Now instead of doing what is right and required by law, they are trying to manipulate the public into thinking that they are being punished for no reason, and this has also shifted large costs on to the residents of the town. Governing bodies don't punish other governing bodies unless they are not acting within the law. Try as they might in the end the public will not be fooled.

If the GOP in Middletown is allowed to have its way they will put Middletown in the same situation as Hazlet. Recently Hazlet was found to be noncompliant with its fair share obligation. Now Hazlet has had a court justice installed as planner, after it lost a builders remedy lawsuit. Is this what the Middletown resident want to see for their town? I think not. The thing that is imperative for you to remember is that it was the Hazlet GOP that led them down that road. Will Middletown allow the GOP in their town do the same?

Scott Jackson
President, Brookdale Democratic Club

Culture of fear and lies in the Republican Party

2008-08-11T23:13:00.001-04:00

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

August 11, 2008

Culture of fear and lies in the Republican Party

To the Editor:

The Middletown Republican Party headed by Peter Carton has reached a low that I did not expect. The Republican Majority in Middletown used the special meeting of the Middletown Township Committee and the Planning Board as a means to intimidate the opposition thru lies and verbal assault. As a former Republican I find this appalling.

The meeting was intended for discussion on Middletown’s third round of its fair share plan. When I arrived to the meeting I found that it was filled with Republican County Committee people from Middletown as well as friends of the Republican Majority on the Middletown Township Committee. The troubling fact is that instead of a public information meeting it turned into a personal attack platform.

In standard form, Mayor Gerard Scharfenberger and Deputy Mayor Pamela Brightbill presented their standard lies to the public on the issue at the meeting. The real show started at the end of the meeting during the public comments portion of the meeting. During this portion of the meeting no one including me raised their hand to speak, until the mayor was about to close the meeting at which point I raised my hand. After I finished speaking hands throughout the room raised. Each speaker after me was a fellow Republican Party member of the mayor all praising him and attacking me.

After the meeting I was surrounded by Republican Party members and I endured a barrage of personal attacks. Though not all of the people were attacking they were aiding the others that were. This is not what democracy is, this is more like something out of the Third Reich. To have a political party support this type of action is frankly terrifying. To try to make residents with differing opinions on issues fear speaking in a public forum goes against every principle this county was founded on. Is this the direction you want Government to continue in? I think not. This must not be permitted to continue in Middletown.

Matthew Morehead
Chairman-Monmouth County Bayshore Young Democrats

The Youth “Voter” Revolution, We now make the difference….

2008-08-04T17:09:00.004-04:00

From the “Young Republican” to the leader of the” New Young Democratic Movement” in Monmouth County…

2008-08-04T02:38:00.002-04:00

Recently I was interviewed by a reporter for a local publication. The article will be coming out in the next week or so. During the interview I went over a little about the direction that I am taking the new young Democrats in my organization, along with the separation from the practices of the past.

One of the major changes is that the organization is fighting its own battles. The Monmouth County Bayshore Young Democrats have been spearheading a campaign in Middletown and throughout the Bayshore for affordable housing. This is a large issue for young adults. With rising costs in just about every aspect of life it has become not just hard for younger people but for just about everyone. The problem that sets younger people apart from others is the fact that the younger you are the lower you income tends to be in most fields.

Another issue that we are fighting is for more funding for higher education. Over the years the state and feds have cut education spending drastically. This has led to a rapid rise in tuition. At the same time they have also cut the amount of money that is given out in grants for school. This has led to debt ranging from $25,000-$100,000 after graduation from collage loans. In response to this we will be trying to raise $2,000 to give to Brookdale students this year. We also hope to expand this in the future as well.

We will still be helping Democrats throughout the county to get elected. Most of the changes are in the way that we fight for the issues the affect people from 18-30 years of age. Instead of hoping that the elders in the party take up our cause, we are the ones doing the fighting.

As an ex-Republican it hurts me to say that the Grand Old Party is just that “Old” it no longer has the ability to understand the problems that face the young people of today. The Republicans in Monmouth County address young people with the same statements every time “that’s a complex issue” and “your hearts in the right place” but don’t give any answer to the problems. These statements also infer that the young person has no clue about what they are talking about. In fact it is the Republican Party that has lost touch with the youth of today; this in turn has sent most of their younger ranks running to join the Democratic Party. You can see this trend with registrations throughout the country, with only 18% of all voters under 30 referring to themselves as Republicans. Sounds like it time for a revamp to me.

The interview will be in the Atlantic Highlands Herald…..

Middletown Meeting on COAH…

2008-08-01T15:31:00.003-04:00

On July 30, 2008 I attended a joint Middletown Committee/ Planning board Meeting on Middletown’s third round COAH obligation. The meeting was quite informative. The only problem that I could find with what they were saying is well they are lying to the public. Middletown showed that it is going to continue to lye and give out incorrect facts. It is sad to see such a failure of government. Knowing that, they cannot win by putting the facts out, they instead lye.

I have been going to town meetings for a while now to keep reminding the committee that there is a real problem and that they have to abide by the law as it is written not as they see fit. At this last meeting that I attended the Republican majority on the Township Committee felt the need to fill the room with their “Republican County Committee” people in order to not only try to refute what I was saying but to personally attack me.

During the public portion of the meeting no one raised there hand to speak until the mayor was about to close the public portion of the meeting. I then raised my hand to speak. After I finished hands started rising throughout the room. At this point I knew the game was afoot. Republican after Republican got up to do nothing but praise the mayor and reinforce the lies that he puts out. One of the speakers got up and started by telling the room how good of a friend she is with the deputy mayor. Then stated that she worked in the housing industry, she went on to say that there are plenty of affordable places to live in other places and that there is no need for them to live here.

After the meeting concluded a group of the Republican County Committee surrounded me. Some of them started to verbally assault me others tried to reason with me. But they all made it so I could not leave. I will say that I did have a good debate with some of them and we did not agree but we discussed many ways that we might be able to solve this problem. For the others there tact was to try to intimidate me and try to make me fear speaking. Accusing me of everything under the sun. The one flaw in their plan was that I already knew who they were and what they were trying to do. This is the sad reality that is facing Middletown today. The republicans are trying to maintain power thru fear and lies not thru doing what is right for the residents of this town.

Middletown Ordered to Repay Affordable Housing Trust Fund

2008-07-28T18:59:00.005-04:00

Press Release

July 28, 2008

For Immediate Publication

Middletown Ordered to Repay Affordable Housing Trust Fund

Middletown Township (Monmouth County, NJ): Today Matthew Morehead, Chairman of the Monmouth County Bayshore Young Democrats, announced that in the findings by The Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) of Middletown's fair share plan that the town was ordered to repay the Development Fee Ordinance in the amount of $82,687.85. This fund was intended to help lessen the burden on residents.

According to Mr. Morehead, the township's past performance has not only placed Middletown on the short list to noncompliance, it has also not provided the housing that is needed, has not funded their obligation in a timely manner, and has spent money intended for the housing on lawyers and administration.

"This is just more evidence that shows the township has mishandled their obligation when it comes to COAH," Morehead stated. "This only places more of a burden on the residents of Middletown."

Morehead went on to say that the fund would have to be repaid with tax revenue. "Through the township's mismanagement, they have only continued to place a greater cost on the residents."

"Until the township realizes it has to act within the law, the cost will only continue to grow for the residents of Middletown," Morehead concluded.

###

Has the American Government committed “War Crimes”?

2008-07-28T00:02:00.004-04:00

Today I spent the day surfing the web. In the process I came across a lot of disturbing videos on Youtube.com (some of these videos are too graphic to post so I decided not to post them) and I decided to look into some of the allegations on the web.

One of the first questions that I asked myself was, “Has the American Government committed war crimes?”

There is a lot of information on what exactly a “War Crime” is. It is a long but interesting read for anyone with some time to kill. The definition of a War Crime is defined under the Charter of the United Nations, The Hague and Geneva Conventions, and the Nuremberg Charter. Under these articles there are two main crimes that the Bush administration is in question of violating. They are crime against peace and crimes against humanity.

The argument for a “crime against peace” being committed is that according to The United Nations Charter, Article 2 requires the peaceful resolution of disputes. Under the terms of Article 39-42, only the U.N. Security Council can determine if conditions warrant the use of force. The Bush administration did not have the approval of the U.N. Security Council to enter in to armed conflict with Iraq. The Bush administration instead used the argument that the policies of the Iraqi government were a violation of the terms of the cease fire after the Gulf War. I can understand the argument for this and in some ways agree with this stance.

The problem that I find with this is one, it sets a problematic precedent. Taking a look at how many countries in the world that are in a “cease fire” status with no official declaration to an end of these conflicts (i.e. between the United States and North Korea). This then would allow open conflict to resume even after decades of relative peace. Two is that ultimately this argument itself is in some ways a violation of international law in my opinion, because the U.N Security Council is still the ultimate authority when it comes to international conflicts.

In the case of “crimes against humanity” being committed, (i.e. the mistreatment of civilian combatants, prisoners of war, and the civilian population in the occupied territories) there is a lot of evidence that shows that violations have been committed. One of the violations that have been prevalent in the news is the torcher of prisoners. International law is clear that this is a major violation of the law. I understand that our enemies have disregarded this law as well. The fact still remains that we are a republic of law. No elected official is above the law. For this administration to disregard the law in pursuit of “justice” whether it is supported popularly or not is still a violation of the law. Another violation that has been less visible to us here in the United States is the mistreatment of civilians in the occupied territory. I will make no accusations that this is wide spread problem. Nor will I make the argument that is not being addressed by the military leadership. The fact still remains that it is happening. Here at home some of this would be dismissed as jokes or having a little fun. But, when you are in uniform there is a strict code of conduct that must be fallowed under the law.

(The opinions in this video are of the groups that produced it. The reason I posted this video is to show some of the mistreatment of the civilians and the poor puppy.)

The video above is very disturbing to me. It shows that the image that we have of our men and women in uniform is being tented by the realities of war (Hell on Earth) around the world. I am not stating that this is wide spread or that it is not being addressed as it is reported. Only that it is upsetting to see the affect that this conflict is having on our young men and women serving our county.

It is my opinion that the case can be made that the American Government has committed war crimes and that the Bush administration has sole responsibility for this. It is infuriating to see that the polices of this administration has led to the reputation of the American people and our nation to fall. It is also to see the suffering of the Iraqi people, our service men and women, and the damage that is being done to their mental health.

I would like to close by saying that I have a high respect for our men and women that are serving our county abroad and that I feel that they are doing a stellar job considering the situation that they are in. This is in no way an attack on the service men and women in our nation’s uniform. The sole reason for this post is to express some of my concerns on this topic. I am not a lawyer and I am not making any accusations. I am only stating how I feel based on what I have seen in the videos and from what I read on War Crimes.

A Voice For The Youth Is Ranked 5 In The State Of New Jersey…

2008-07-27T14:53:00.003-04:00

I would like to take this chance to thank everyone that reads my blog. Without you there would be no point in having this blog at all.
Thank you.

In celebration of a new life to be “Baby Shower”….

2008-07-26T11:16:00.002-04:00

Today I will be attending a baby shower for my friend Nora. She is expecting a new baby girl. I just would like to take a moment to stray from my normal topics to celebrate this new life to be with you my readers. Nora has two beautiful children already. This gift of life will just be another blessing to add to her already blessed life.

My prayers are with you and your family. May every moment with this new baby girl be special and full of happiness.

Sounds like a “WAR MONGER”

2008-07-26T00:22:00.000-04:00

To me this is scary because Mc Bush already has a preconceived notion that war is the only option with Iran. I am the farthest thing from a fan of the policies of the Iranian government, but war is always the last resort and for a candidate for president of the United States of America to consistently talk about bombing and killing people from another county is frankly terrifying to me.

An interesting post on More Monmouth Musings…

2008-07-25T23:44:00.003-04:00

Art Gallagher has an interesting post on his blog. Mr. Gallagher continues the debate on a highly controversial word. Though I do not agree with the way he started this conversation, I feel that some of the posts after this debate started have been informative in seeing what people think of this word.This is not to say that I agree with what is being stated in the posts, but it does show what differing people think about the word.

Go to More Monmouth Musings to see the post it is by a Dwayne.

Republicans on the defense…..

2008-07-25T01:45:00.005-04:00

After my recent post on race relations, I find myself being criticized not on the content of what was in my blog, but on my grammar and spelling. In a way I find this amusing. To think, that the only flaw that the other side can find with my post is that I did not get my PHD in English. In my opinion this is because they are not totally convinced that they are on the “Right” Side of the topic. In a post on the Voice of Reason this was the ground braking flaw with my argument. Where I cannot argue with my critics on this point, I will however say that I am correct on the point that I have made.

The other point that was made was on the title of my blog. James Hogan took issue with this title because he feels that one could get confused and think that I represent the only opinion for the youth of Monmouth County. I only speak for myself, and at times the 70 members of my organization that I represent. So I hope that that is enough clarity for you Mr. Hogan. Though I am still trying to figure out how this title confused you. It is “A Voice”, not “The Voice”, or “The Only Voice”. From reading your blog you seem to be of a mental caliber to have figured that out on your own.

On Art Gallagher’s blog More Monmouth Musings, he makes a comment that “I suspect that none of them have any significant relationships with any black people or members of any other minority.” I do have a response for you there, my other half happens to be part Black, part Native American, and part Scottish. There is a two for one for you right there. Not to mention that all of my past roommates have been from differing ethnic backgrounds. Only one of which was White.

I have had this discussion many times with people of many different religious and racial backgrounds. With every conversation I have had, I have gotten the same response. That the use of derogatory words invokes the evils that are associated with them, no matter which term it is that you wish to use. For us to move forward it is not the term we have to understand it is the past that created the term as well as the hatred and fear that came with it.

As for the question of how “Liberal” I am it is a well known fact that I am an Ex-Republican. It is also a well known fact that on many issues I tend to fall more to the right then to the left. I did not leave my party, my party left me. It is also a well known fact that the majority of the Young Democrats that are in my organization are Ex-Republicans as well.

I would like to finish this post by letting you all know that I have no hard feelings for any of the people I have mentioned in this post. One of the things that I love most is a friendly debate on the issues. At time these can become heated, but as long as we can agree to disagree in the end there will be nothing lost. only a better understanding will be the outcome.

Protesters denounce Fox News as racist Against Obama

2008-07-23T22:39:00.004-04:00

I found this serfing the net. It is from MySpace Democratic Party. One could ask if the question of race relations is part of a bigger agenda by the Republican Party...

Protesters gathered on Wednesday outside Fox News Channel to denounce what they claim is its racist campaign coverage, including a pundit who called Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama a terrorist.The crowd of some 150 people wielded a petition with more than 600,000 signatures objecting to news coverage by Fox, owned by Rupert Murdoch's News Corp (NWSa.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), organizers said.

Some demonstrators held signs that crossed out the network's "Fair and Balanced" slogan and replaced it with the words "Fairly Racist!"Led by activist groups MoveOn. org and ColorOfChange. org, protesters cited incidents on Fox including an on-screen graphic calling Michelle Obama "Obama's baby mama" and a pundit who confused Obama with Osama bin Laden and joked they should both be assassinated.Another anchor called a televised fist bump between Obama and his wife a "terrorist fist jab," they said, and talk show host Bill O'Reilly discussed calling a "lynching party" to deal with Michelle Obama after criticizing her patriotism.

"Putting racism on national television and calling it news is never funny," said Andre Banks of ColorOfChange.Joining the protest was hip hop star Nas, who said the Fox coverage inspired a song "Sly Fox" on his new album."Fox poisons this country every time they air racist propaganda and try and call it news," he said.

A spokeswoman for Fox said: "Fox News believes in all protesters exercising their right to free speech, including Nas, who has an album to promote."

Words carry not only meanings, but invoke evils from the past as well…

2008-07-23T13:37:00.004-04:00

In resent blog posts on “More Monmouth Musings” by Art Gallagher, he has started a debate on race relations. Where I feel that working to bring people from different racial back grounds together is important there is a line that should not be crossed. Unfortunately Mr. Gallagher has crossed this line in my opinion.

In the post “N_____ Nuts” Mr. Gallagher points out that by simply cleansing inflammatory words from the main stream is simply not enough considering a number of people use these words in private and mean them. I feel that this is a true statement. It is not enough to just remove these terms from public we have to work to move our country forward from injustices that were once a reality in this nation.

In this post Mr. Gallagher went on to state that we will only improve relations thru conversation with people form racial back grounds other than our own. On this point I also agree. He proposed that we do this with a national Take a N_____ to Lunch Day and a Hang with the Honkies Day. With this I feel that he crossed the line. Although I feel that a day of racial understanding could be a good idea.

The reality that I think Mr. Gallagher fails to understand is that words carry not only there assigned meaning but also represent actions that have taken place. When you use derogatory words for African-Americans for example, you invoke the evils of the past like lynchings, cross burnings, assassination of leaders, hatred, racial violence, murder, and none-equality.

The wounds from this past run deep and will take generations to heal. This is why these words should not be used. Instead we should understand the actions of the past. Learn from lessons that they teach us to become better people not only in our national society but our global society as well.

Another troubling instance that has come from this topic is that Eric Sedler, who is head of the Monmouth County Young Republicans, has come to the defense of Mr. Gallagher stating:

I really couldn't agree more.

I think it's absolutely ridiculous that everything has gotten to be overly sensitive these days and somehow a cookie reference by some old white guy was called racist.

Rick exemplified this when he complained that your n_____ nuts post was right next to the obamanation picture. This is exactly what Lugar was talking about when he said racism works in both ways. Too many people are now over-reacting and over-analyzing everything. Who knew a monkey reference from Japan (or was it China?) could be considered racist?! It's just too much.

The over-reaction and over-analyzing will only hurt race relations. Being too careful about what you say will never lead to a relaxed atmosphere with other races. Like you said, respect is key, don't treat them any differently than you treat friends just because of their skin color.

This was in response to a posting, by Lugar96, on Jim Purcells' response to Mr. Gallagher’s blog. What troubles me about this is that even young people from Mr. Gallagher’s own political party don’t grasp the impact that a word can have. Or what this word invokes. If Mr. Sedler wishes to have a political career some day he should do a little more research in American history. This way he can have a better understanding of the power that words have and the history that they invoke…

Affordable housing and Middletown Republicans

2008-07-21T16:53:00.001-04:00

By MATTHEW MOREHEAD

Judy Stanley-Colman recently had an Op-Ed in a number of our local publications. In this Op-Ed she took on the issue of affordable housing. It is ironic that Ms. Stanley-Colman would speak to the issue of affordable housing. As head of Middletown’s planning board she has had an important role in how Middletown is developed. You may ask yourself, why is it ironic that she is speaking to this issue?

Well Ms. Stanley-Colman is president of the Monmouth Conservation Foundation as well as chairwoman of the Middletown Township Planning Board. Where I will applaud Ms. Stanley-Colman on many of her notable achievements on these two bodies, I must also say that being head of both of these bodies is a conflict of interest.

Ms. Stanley-Colman has also been a controversial figure in this role because of her long association with the Republican Party and her past statement that “if you can’t afford the taxes in Middletown you should move out of Middletown.”

In letters to the editor over the past few months it came out that Ms. Stanley-Colman does not pay what many people would consider her fair share in property taxes. While the rest us struggle to pay for our taxes, she is “living large” as a prominent republican and getting every break in the book.

When this question was raised Mayor Gerard Scharfenberger, a republican from Middletown, and James Hinckley, also a republican, came to her defense stating in a letter to the editor, that Ms. Stanley-Colman pays $50,000 a year in taxes. Where this may seem fair to the rest of us, you have to look at how much property she owns.

Ms. Stanley-Colman has about six acres of prime real estate in Middletown. She is only fully taxed on one acre of this. The rest of her five acres are farmland assessed for her beehives or preservation assessed. For this property she only pays about $100 an acre.

In her resent Op-Ed Ms. Stanley-Colman makes the case that by building affordable housing you promote never ending development. This is simply not true. Ms. Stanley-Coleman, Mayor Scharfenberger, and Deputy Mayor Pamela Brightbill who is also a republican and on the planning board, are trying to scare the residents of Middletown into thinking that the absolute worst case scenario will be the reality. The figures that they present are based on if Middletown has not built any of its round one, two, or three obligations. They also then say that all of the housing would have to be built at “four market rate housing to one affordable housing unit” ratio. Then they put one to two children in every housing unit.

The facts that they are leaving out is that Middletown has built or signed Regional Contribution Agreements (RCAs) for a good portion of its round one and two obligations. They do not have to build the housing at a four to one unit ratio it can be built in 100 percent affordable-, mixed-income developments. Also that 25 percent in round three of this housing is for our seniors putting no children into our schools. As well as the fact that a good portion of this housing puts no children into our schools due to the fact that not all of the housing goes to married couples with children. Many of the people that will reside in this housing will be single working men and women, married couples with no children, or men and women with disabilities that tend to not have children especially in the case of developmentally disabled men and women.

Speaking to the statement that building this housing will raise taxes. This is also a myth. The residential taxpayers do not foot the bill for constructing this housing. The developers pay a tax to a trust that funds the construction of this housing. The only time that the resident would totally pay for this housing is when an RCA is used. Middletown has spent millions of dollars in tax revenue to keep this housing out of Middletown. Also there is a measure in bill A-500 that eliminated RCAs that state funds fallow the truly impoverished resident in this housing to offset the costs of education. This will prevent the cost of educating these students being passed to local residents.

It is high time that Judith Stanley-Coleman and her band of Middletown republicans stop trying to scare the resident of Middletown and start working with the resident to provide affordable housing for our young working adults, our seniors, and our disabled residents in our area.

(Matthew Morehead is the chairman of the Monmouth County Bayshore Young Democrats. He is also a staunch advocate for affordable housing in Middletown. For more information, go to his website at: www.avoicefortheyouthmc.blogspot.com.

It would be funny if it wasn’t true

2008-07-11T09:48:00.001-04:00

Middletown And Its COAH obligation

2008-07-10T11:31:00.003-04:00

To all:

There are a lot of misconceptions going around about Middletown and its COAH obligations. Where I understand the fears that many of you have about this issue, I am writing to fill you in on some real facts about Middletown and its fair share obligation.

FACT ONE:

Middletown will not have to build 8,000 units of affordable housing. This number that the mayor has been throwing around is totally not true. We would only do this if you add together all three rounds of our obligation together and times it by a factor of 4. As we all know Middletown has built and signed RCAs (Regional Contribution Agreements) for many of its round one and two fair share obligations already. The problem that Middletown is having with round one and two is that we are short on the construction of a good number of these units and we have not funded a portion of their RCAs at the same time. When the new rules take effect the RCAs that Middletown has not paid for most likely will come back to the town. When this happens our total obligation will be somewhere around 800-900 units (which includes our round three obligation of around 450 units).

FACT TWO:

We do not have to build affordable housing at a 4 to 1 ratio of market rate to affordable. We have the ability to build developments that are 100% affordable. The town can do this, a developer can do this (which is highly unlikely), or a nonprofit like HUD can build it. The only one of these three that impacts the tax payer is if the town chooses to foot the bill for the construction. There is also a trust fund set up to help with the cost of this construction (though Middletown has made it so it does not currently qualify for these funds because of past practices). We have the ability to attract private companies to build managed care facilities like nursing homes, facilities for muitibly handicapped people, and group homes. If I remember right these also count as one and a half credits per room. Also most of these put no children into the school system and will have little if no cost to the tax payers on that end.

FACT THREE:

These obligations do not come totally from a Supreme Court ruling. In 1975 the Supreme Court handed down its Mt. Laurel decision that stated that every municipality has the responsibility to provide a realistic expectation of its regions affordable housing needs (present and future). When towns were not responsive to this ruling (which I can understand because I am not a fan of judges creating law from the bench) the New Jersey Legislature was forced to act. In 1985 the Fair Housing Act was signed into law by Gov. Kean (who ironically enough is a Republican).This law made affordable housing a constitutional obligation and also created COAH (The Commission On Affordable Housing). This group was charged with creating the guidelines for every municipality in the state and making sure that they were met. This group also monitored the progress of this process and has the ability to find towns noncompliant. If a town falls under noncompliance they are left open to developers to build anything they wish as long as they build at least 20% of the development as affordable. This is done through a builders remedy lawsuit. With this the courts decide how the town is developed not the planning board. Towns that are noncompliant also can get no state grant money. The first questions on the applications for state money is, are you COAH compliant?

FACT FOUR:

Middletown is not totally compliant. Middletown is on the verge on becoming noncompliant. The town has not totally lived up to the law. The town falls short in its round two plan and has not funded all of its RCAs. This is why the town is facing a big problem. They have had 23 years to fulfill their obligation. Now with about ten years left they are finding that they may not be able to fulfill their obligation in a proper manner. The town has spent its time and our money instead on costly legal battles that have all ended in defeat (on a side note all this tax money has gone into the pockets of our township's attorneys and the township's special attorney for COAH).

FACT FIVE:

Middletown was ordered to repay a trust fund setup to offset the cost of the construction of affordable housing. The town was allowed to tax developers and companies to lessen the burden on residents to construct affordable housing. They were to put this tax money into a trust fund which was monitored by COAH. COAH found that the town over spent this money on administration costs, on what is essentially a checking account (I wonder whose pocket this money went into). The town was then ordered to repay over $82,000 to the account. This means that over $82,000 was shifted to the residents of Middletown if they actually paid the money back (I have not been able to find this out yet). This is also most likely why the town does not qualify for state money for affordable housing.

OTHER FACTS ABOUT COAH:

COAH regulations are very complex. This is about the only fact the township has gotten right. The brake down of who the housing is to go to is as fallows. One quarter of the housing built is to go to seniors, one quarter of the housing is to be rentals, and one half of the housing is to be owned family housing. Middletown has tried to get away with building a large amount of this housing as senior housing. This, too, has not worked so we have not gotten credit for some of the housing that was built.

This housing is not free. If you buy the housing you pay a mortgage and property tax. If you rent an apartment you pay rent. The only exception to this is if you live in section 8 rentals then that program pays for a portion of the rent. Affordable housing is deed restricted if you buy an affordable unit it will not go up in value like a market rate unit. If a young adult gets one of these units their mortgage is more like a savings account and not an investment. Over time the program pays for itself in tax revenue (though it will not be the same as million dollar town homes).

To qualify for this housing you must be within three levels of income brackets; Very-low, low, and moderate incomes. This is figured out with a scale that is your total family income and how many members in the family household. In some regions you can make up to $100,000 a year, as a family, depending on how many members are in the household (puts some perspective on who the mayor is calling undesirable).

Middletown is in region 4 which is Monmouth, Mercer, and Ocean Counties. Middletown does not have the ability to limit the housing only to township residents. They can however limit the housing to people currently living in region 4. This is done thru an ordinance of regional preference.

I know this is a lot to take in, but these are the main facts that you need to understand when it comes to Middletown's COAH obligation. Please send this Email to everyone in your contact list so we can show people that they are being mislead by the majority on the township committee.

Many thanks,

Matthew Morehead

Chairman- Monmouth County Bayshore Young Democrats

On This 4th of July

2008-07-04T19:16:00.004-04:00

On this day, that we recognize our independence from terrine, and the birth of our great nation it is a fitting tribute to lower our heads for a moment of reflection. Reflection on the patriots that have come before us, and the patriots that protect our way of life today. The men and women who wear the uniform of the United States of America. These men and women who continue a tradition of bravery, compaction, and honor.

This great nation, in its short time has become a guiding light for the world. A beacon of freedom, which guides us and protects us. We must remember even it these hard times the idea which became our nation will indoor for future generations. It is our responsibility to inshore that this idea that countless men and women have given their lives for continues. Where ever you fall politically remember it is this process that holds us together.

A prayer for this Independence Day;

Almighty and ever-living God, we humbly praise you for the nation in which you have allowed us to live. We cherish its wonder and its beauty. We are thankful for its fruitful lands, its bountiful waters, its great resources and its unlimited opportunities. We thank you for our founding fathers and mothers, and for their foresight, special wisdom, and steadfast courage in establishing freedom and a lasting document of fairness. Stir up within each of us the will to be good stewards of all the blessings of the land we love. Amen.

May freedom be seen, not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to please to do what is right. May it ever be understood that our liberty is under God and can be found nowhere else. May our faith be something that is not merely stamped upon our coins, but expressed in our lives…To the extent that America honors thee, wilt thou bless America, and keep her true as thou hast kept her free, and make her good as thou hast made her rich. Amen.

—From The Prayers of Peter Marshall in the U.S. Senate

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

2008-06-26T00:37:00.000-04:00

Letter to the editor

June 26, 2008

Poor Past Performance to Blame for Affordable Housing Problems

To the Editor:

Middletown’s past performance has created a tough situation for the township. Mayor Gerard Scharfenberger, Deputy Mayor Pamela Brightbill, and their GOP predecessors on the Middletown Township Committee have put Middletown in a position that may lead to uncontrolled development. Their practice of evasion of our fair share obligation has put Middletown on the short list to noncompliance.

Mayor Scharfenberger and Deputy Mayor Brightbill have stated on numerous occasions that Regional Contribution Agreements (RCAs) are the only way that Middletown would be able to fulfill their obligation. In reality the township has had 20 years to use RCAs to fulfill their round one and two fair share obligation. During this time they have signed numerous RCAs with communities in the region. Thought they have taken this stance, they have done little more they pay it lip service, because they have left many of these RCAs unfunded, in combination with a reluctance to provide the remaining housing in town. The Middletown GOP has left the township wide open to developers to build any project they want whether it is in the best interest of the town or not.

Middletown has had the time and the ability to meet their housing obligations, to area residents in a manner that would have had little impact to the taxpayers of the town. There was a lot of funding available to the town to offset the costs under the fair housing act of 1985 and at that time land was more affordable then it is today. Had they implemented their housing plans an RCA would have cost only $20,000 instead of the cost of today’s construction.

Not only would we have had the housing available to our young adults and our seniors, but the cost to Middletown taxpayer’s would have been minimal compared to what it will cost today. Clearly their actions have not only put Middletown in danger of non-compliance, but have also left the town at the mercy of developers who will now have the ability to develop housing plans without any regard for what the residents want.

Matthew Morehead
Chairman - Monmouth County Bayshore Young Democrats

The shift the blame game continues from the Middletown GOP.

2008-06-26T00:28:00.000-04:00

In a resent letter from Middletown Mayor Gerard Scharfenberger and an op-ed column from Judith Stanley Colemen in the Independent, the Middletown GOP continues to try to pass the blame for their mishandling of the fair share obligation in Middletown. The largest portion of the blame belongs to the two of them. Not to everyone else.

Mayor Scharfenberger continues his fear tactics of equating all the affordable housing obligations “low income”. I would like to know how the mayor can equate people who are making from $40,000 now up to $100,000 in some regions to be “low income”. The residents have the right to know the truth about affordable housing. If you listen to the mayor speak you would thing that the flood gates from Newark were going to open up. If this is what the mayor is truly afraid of then he should be more open to the idea of an ordinance of regional preference which I have proposed on numerous occasions.

Where I agree with the analysis from Ms. Stanley that if not handled right, this could lead to out of control development. It is the Middletown Committee and the Middletown Planning Bored (which Ms. Stanley is head of) that are responsible for the situation that Middletown is in today. Ms. Stanley has been on or head of the Middletown Planning Bored for the majority of the time that COAH has been around. It is her opposition along with her GOP controlled township committee that has led Middletown down the path to noncompliance.

Like I stated in my prior post if the Middletown GOP does not take responsibility for their actions and work to correct them, then Middletown residents will be the one to suffer. It is time that the GOP in Middletown face the facts, admit that they have not done what is needed, and work with the others to correct the problem that they have caused.

Middletown gives developers green light through looming noncompliance

2008-06-25T01:14:00.001-04:00

The Middletown GOP has given developers the upper hand when it comes to building large scale projects in town. Through evasion and looming noncompliance the republican majority has placed Middletown on a track that will cost the taxpayers immensely. If Middletown is found to be noncompliant then developers will be able to go through the courts and not the township planning bored to build developments in town.

Middletown has had 20 years to implement round one and two of their fair share element of their housing plan. Mayor Gerard Scharfenberger and Deputy Mayer Pamela Brightbill have stated on many occasions that Regional Contribution Agreements (RCAs) are the only way that Middletown would be able to fulfill their fair share obligation. If this were really their belief then they would have put the funding in place to pay for the RCAs that they signed with other municipalities. Instead Middletown left a large number of these RCAs not funded.

Not only have they not paid for all of their RCAs, but they have not built a number of the units that they could not pay other communities to take. Now with round three of COAHs fair share requirement coming into affect along with RCAs in the process of being eliminated, the townships GOP majority is finding the folly in not complying with this constitutional obligation. The township is also looking for others to blame for their mistakes.

The most troubling fact is the burden that this will place on the residents of Middletown and that the governing majority is not willing to face up to their mistakes and work to correct the problem that they have caused. Instead they are still fighting their responsibilities at further costs to the taxpayers of Middletown.

Some Pics from Trenton...

2008-06-19T20:45:00.006-04:00

Young Democrats Show Support for A500 at a Press Conference on the Steps of the State House in Trenton

2008-06-18T00:20:00.003-04:00

Press Release

June 17, 2008

For Immediate Publication

Young Democrats Show Support for A500 at a Press Conference on the Steps of the State House in Trenton

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP (MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ) — The Monmouth County Bayshore young Democrats attended a press conference on the steps of the State House in Trenton at 11:30AM on June 16, 2008.

The press conference was held in support of Speaker Joe Roberts Bill A500 which was voted on later that same day.

The bill passed the assembly and is on its way to the senate where it will likely pass and be signed by Governor John Corzine.

The bill eliminates the use of Regional Contribution Agreements (RCAs) which allows wealthier communities to pay to get rid of up to half of their affordable housing obligation under the Commission on Affordable Housing (COHA) rules.

“It has been a long debate on whether the practice of using RCAs should be allowed” Matthew Morehead, Chairman of the Monmouth County Bayshore Young Democrats, said, “RCAs were intended to give leeway to communities to fulfill their obligation in a way that was sensitive to the environment of their town”.

“Wealthy Communities have abused the use of RCAs turning it instead into a means of economic segregation,” Morehead said, “It is sad to see that in the year 2008 people like Mayor Gerard Scharfenberger and Deputy Mayor Pamela Brightbill have made themselves the champions for abolishing COAH altogether”.

“Their idea of survival of the wealthiest will only end up hurting the future of Middletown and push out many young residents that grew up here as well as many seniors that have lived there whole lives here as well,” Morehead concluded.

###

Middletown Majority Attacks and Miss Leads Young Residents..

2008-06-16T00:26:00.003-04:00

Tony M.
Gerry Scharfenberger
Pam Brightbill

Some Big Issues for Young Adults

2008-06-12T01:12:00.003-04:00

The issues that are most prevalent among young voters today are; affordable housing, costs for education, gas prices, and the Iraq War. Their concerns over their ability to get an education and start lives have become a hot topic when I go out in the area. I am approached by young voters in Monmouth County all the time. They ask me questions about what is happening in the political world when it comes to the problems that we face.

These issues are in a large way tide together. Affordable housing is a problem for anyone of our generation that is attempting to start their lives after school in our area. The debt that the ones who go to college have accumulated over their time in school is a huge burden. Gas prices rising with no end in sight. Low starting salaries, if they are even able to find decent jobs. Concerns about their friends, and family serving their county in the war. These have all made our generation wake up to the reality that this generation faces a real test to the way we live our life.

With less and less money being devoted to education. Many young adults and their families are facing the fact that they may not be able to afford to go to college. This is a scary concept to many families. It is a known fact that in the 21st century collage has become a prerequisite for having the ability to enter the middleclass. Many young adults elect to take loans to pay for their collage education. The range of the debt that they accumulate is from $25,000 - $100,000 depending on the degree that they obtain.

Starting salaries have not risen anywhere near the rise in costs that these young people face. The rapidly rising cost of education and transportation has become oppressive to young adults. This along with a shrinking job market makes the prospect of building a life in the communities that they grew up in look less likely to happen.

With average rents in our area ranging around $900 - $1,100 for a one bedroom apartment and houses going for around $300,000 many young adults have come to the reality that they can not afford to live here. Many of the young adults that do try to live in this area have turned to communal living. In reality we are turning to a quality of life that traditionally has been that of migrant workers. In many communities in our area resident have been trying to pressure town leaders to take steps to end the practice of communal living. So what is the next step? When college educated people are forces to except a lower and lower quality of life just to survive we are not heading in the right direction.
Weather you agree or disagree with the Fair Housing Act of 1985. It has made it a constitutional obligation to provide a cretin percentage of a towns housing affordable. This is rentable and owned housing.

With elected officials in our area standing in opposition of affordable housing and funding education they have shown that they do not stand with their younger constituents. I feel that they will find the folly in this on Election Day with the ever growing feeling of desperation among younger voters combined with the overwhelming feeling of a need for change.

You Should Watch This One..

2008-06-06T16:44:00.001-04:00

Interesting Stats from Watch Group Websites

2008-06-06T15:32:00.002-04:00

Taxpayers in Monmouth County, New Jersey will pay $2 billion for total Iraq war spending approved to date. For the same amount of money, the following could have been provided: 8,138 Affordable Housing Units.

Taxpayers in Monmouth County, New Jersey will pay $527.2 million for the President's request for additional Iraq war spending in FY2008 and FY2009. For the same amount of money, the following could have been provided: 2,096 Affordable Housing Units.

Taxpayers in Monmouth County, New Jersey will pay $2 billion for total Iraq war spending approved to date. For the same amount of money, the following could have been provided: 205,591 Scholarships for University Students for One Year.

Taxpayers in Monmouth County, New Jersey will pay $527.2 million for the President's request for additional Iraq war spending in FY2008 and FY2009. For the same amount of money, the following could have been provided: 52,940 Scholarships for University Students for One Year.

I got this information from http://www.nationalpriorities.org/.

So far the death toll in Iraq is 4,088 confirmed deaths with 4 pending confirmation for a total of 4092. The death toll broken down in to years: ’03-486, ’04-849, ’05-846, ’06-822, ’07-902, ’08-187 to date so far.

I got this information from http://icasualties.org/oif/.

It is not that I was agents removing a horrible dictator and freeing the Iraqis, but it makes you think when you see the real price in lives, and dollars that the American people are paying for this venture.

Obama for Pres. 2008 – Clinton V.P.????

2008-06-03T19:02:00.000-04:00

With this primary season coming to an end it seams as though Sen. Obama will be the Democratic candidate for president in 2008. The Associated Press broke the news that Sen. Clinton would be willing to take the V.P. slot.

As a 28 year old I feel that it is time for change in our government. If you look back to when the WWII generation returned and built their lives America was at its peek. Today we are in rapid decline. Some would even say that we are at the lowest point we have been since the Civil War. I say that we are a grate republic at a cross road.

Where do we go from here?

In my opinion, Sen. Obama represents the embodiment of change. His opponents have attacked him on his youth and inexperience, but to most people that I talk to this is what makes him an ideal choice. In American politics today our elected officials have lost touch with the people that they are there to represent and protect. Our officials have tended to lookout for their own interests and the interests of there friends. This is why experience in political office could be a hindrance in this election. When change is your goal looking to those who have created the current political climate is not the path to take.

As for the “dream ticket”, will Sen. Clinton be a benefit or a hindrance to bringing true change to our republic?

Sen. Clinton has been a part of the path to decline. She has also been a voice for change during this time as well. The Question will be whether or not she can shake the mistakes of the past and move for a better future. If she is able to do this I feel Sen. Obama and Sen. Clinton will usher in a new age of prosperity in America.

Young Residents Disappointed With Our Elected Offices

2008-05-29T20:36:00.000-04:00

Young Residents Disappointed With Our Elected Offices

To the Editor:

With a lot of public debate on affordable housing in our area, I feel the need to chime in on how our elected officials are handling this debate. Mayor Gerard Scharenberger and Deputy Mayor Pamela Brightbill continuously imply that the residents of Middletown do not “comprehend” the problems that face us today in Middletown. The fact is that the problems that face us in this town and this nation are lived by every resident of this community every day. It is the committee majority that has lost touch with the people.

Housing is a problem that many residents of Middletown face. The majority of them are our young adults and our seniors. Affordable housing is one way to keep these young and older residents in the town that they have built their lives in. To form arguments with personal attacks and continuously comment that residents are unable to “comprehend” the issues shows a feeling of superiority over the residents that elected them.

Open, informed public debate is one of the foremost rights and principles that this nation was founded on. To take any action against these principals is disappointing and unnerving. To me this shows the need for change on the Middletown Township Committee. It is time that the committee returns to the principals that our nation was founded on and stops trying to attack anyone with a differing opinion then theirs.

It is the residents that know what is best for us and our town. I am also glad that there are residents that have the courage to speak and fight for the residents of this town. I would encourage them to continue to do so to spite the attacks from the majority on the committee.

Blake Huntley

How to save America from the same fate as Rome

2008-05-29T18:53:00.001-04:00

In my opinion one of the biggest problems in our country today is that our elected officials have lost touch with the people and do not engage the people other than in clips and snips. Open government seems to be a thing of the past, with many municipalities, state and federal governments doing as they feel without engaging the people that put them in office. How have we fallen so far?

As the Republic slips into decline, you have to ask yourself, have we learned the lessons from the past? From the moment that Ben Franklin uttered the words “A Republic, if you can keep it” the United States of America set out on a path to the unknown. Our Republic, which in many ways is modeled after the Roman system in antiquity, seems to be increasingly following the same path. As time has passed, the people we have elected to represent us have increasingly lost touch with us.

One reason for this is that we the people have over time created a ruling class thru dynasty. We elect generation after generation of the same families. Not for what they have done but for the legacy that their name carries, and the hope that they will live up to that name. The same was true in Rome. The Senate in Roman times was largely made up of noble families that held their position from one generation to the next. Where this was fine in times of prosperity, it led to rapid decline in hard times. Will this be the fate of our republic?

In antiquity the division of the classes grew more and more as the noble families gained more and more of the countries wealth. The same can be said for today. Look at America today, look at many of the dynastic families we have today and the “Noble” families that back many people in our government. You see that the division between the people and these families is growing faster and faster every year. This coupled with the people feeling less and less empowered by their government is leading to an interesting situation. Actually, a repeat of history would be a more accurate description.

This is not the only way that America is similar to Rome. The Roman Republic grew thru trade and war. The same can be said for the American Republic. In the short time that our Republic has existed the boundaries have grown rapidly thru war, with the native people of the Americas, the colonial powers, and many nations of the world. We have also become the trading power as well. Thru our conquest we have military bases all over the world and are the center of commerce for the world as well. We have created a world that for the most part is reliant on our government. Will this continue to be the case in the future?

Rome created western civilization. America is now creating a world civilization thru our military and commercial domination of the world. We are creating a world where no matter where you go you have a Starbucks and other super franchises. The world is beginning to look the same just like in Roman times where Rome built all cities modeled after Rome. We have also turned to a policy of preemptive strike like the Romans had. The Romans invaded their neighbors because of the “Barbarian threat”. Now we do it in the name of spreading freedom and in the name of national security. Are these threats at such a magnitude that we have to occupy other nations of the world, or are we just there for the need for more control of energy resources to preserve our role in the world?

I ask myself all the time where are we heading? I think we are heading to a place that we don’t want to be. As the middle class dissolves and life becomes harder for the people of America, what will be the future of our republic? Only time will tell but if you follow the play book that Rome has left us you see that we are heading down the road to the death of the republic. Then what will replace it? Will we, in our time of desperation, elect to have an emperor like Rome? Or will we just divide up into a number of separate nations? Only time will tell. It is not too late. We still have time to fix the holes in this sinking ship. Some of the ways I see to fix our republic are:

Election reforms like creating a trust for funding elections. This way we can stop corporate influence of our politicians. This will also stop the influence from the “Noble” families by leveling the playing field. This way politicians will not have to worry about fundraising or who they owe when they serve their term in office. Every person wishing to hold office has to then appeal to the people to gain support and signatures to run for the office they wish to hold. Once they gain enough support, they have equal funds as their opponents do to win the election. So the elections are based on issues not out spending or slinging mud.

This will also encourage access to our leaders and accountability. It will open up the government to more talented people that otherwise would not have had a chance before because of lack of money. Also it will bring new ideas to our government thru the interaction with the people they represent. This means that the people’s voice will be heard.

Social reforms like equality for all citizens of our republic. Today we use class, race, sex, religion, and sexual orientation to divide the people and confuse the issues that face our nation in the modern world. This also divides the people and breeds hate towards others in our nation. It also creates the feeling of being a second class citizen. We are one nation, one people. The old saying, “A house divided can not stand” fits this situation the best. By ending the policy of division in this nation we will only grow stronger in the future.

Education reforms like restructuring how we fund our education and seeing if regionalizing school boards would be more cost affective and provide a better standard education to all citizens no matter how wealthy or poor they are. They will get the same education and funding no matter where they live. It would be good to restructure higher learning thru trading off two years of service to the nation after high school, for funding to go to college. This service will be in our armed forces, peace corp., organizations that help in disaster relief and rebuilding, and that help other nations develop. This will have more than one affect, not only will is give all citizens the ability to go to college, it will give our youth a worldly experience. This will bring our people together and open their eyes to the suffering in the world and show that not only are we one people in our nation, but that we are one world. This will give them the tools to make informed desicions in government and in their personal lives.

You may not agree with me but if we put these reforms in place I think we will be on track to restore our republic. Not only in the eyes of our citizens but in the eyes of the world as well.

Middletown Committee Misleading Residents On Affordable Housing

2008-05-16T20:01:00.001-04:00

Letter to the Editor

May 16, 2008

Middletown Committee Misleading Residents On Affordable Housing

To the Editor:

Deputy Mayor Pam Brightbill and the majority of the Middletown Committee continue to mislead the residents of Middletown on affordable housing. In the last letter that Deputy Mayor Brightbill put out she makes the case that by lowering property taxes, it would create affordable housing. Where I agree that a reduction in property taxes would help current property owners, the fact is that unless this in turn lowered property values in town this would have no affect on the young residents looking to start families in the town they grew up in.

Mayor Gerard Scharfenberger and Deputy Mayor Brightbill are out of touch with the growing problems that face many young adults today. Housing has become one of the biggest problems for young adults. Mayor Schafenberger tells his story about living in a small apartment and working two jobs and saving to get a house. The fact is today that many young adults do work two jobs and they still have huge difficulties paying their bills and putting food on the table. Today it takes two to three incomes to get an apartment and to meet the cost of their monthly bills in our area. With many young adults coming out of college with $25,000 of debt and starting wages around $30,000-$40,000 a year if they can find a job, they are just not able to move to the next step in life.

Many of these young adults work hard in the service industry, our hospitals, teach in our schools, are police, are on the fire department, are on the first aid, and are in the armed forces. Without these people the town would not function. By telling them that they are good enough to serve us but not to live in our town with the actions of the majority on the committee is a bad reflection on the committee and the town.

In closing, I feel the need to make clear that this is not a hand out to go to people that are not working. This is the housing for your children, the people that keep this community safe, and the people who fight for our freedoms abroad. I am lucky to have a job that I can afford to live in Middletown. Many of the people I went to school with and grew up with are not. This is why I feel the need to speak on their behalf and stand up for them when their elected officials will not even listen to the problems that face them today.

Matthew Morehead

Chairman-Monmouth County Bayshore Young Democrats

Middletown Failed To Pay For RCA With Red Bank

2008-04-11T13:47:00.002-04:00

PRESS RELEASE

April 11, 2008

For Immediate Publication

Middletown Fails To Pay For RCA With Red Bank

Middletown Township (Monmouth County, NJ) On April 11, 2008 Matthew Morehead, Chairman of the Monmouth County Bayshore Young Democrats announced that court documents relating to a Regional Contribution Agreement between Red Bank and Middletown were discovered by his organization while in discussion with the town leaders of Red Bank urging the town not to enter into any future agreements between the two towns.

The document discovered was docket number A-3326-04T3326-04T3, which was argued on January 9, 2007 before the Superior Court of New Jersey Appellate Division and was decided on February 28, 2007.

It was discovered that on March 13, 2000, Middletown filed a petition with COAH for substantive certification of an affordable housing compliance plan. One component of Middletown's plan was an RCA between Middletown and Red Bank, under which Middletown would transfer 98 units of its affordable housing obligation to Red Bank. On June 14, 2000, the Red Bank governing body adopted a resolution authorizing the execution of the RCA with Middletown.

Several years passed without payment from Middletown due to the fact that Middletown failed to complete a "Credits without Controls Survey" and objections to Middletown's compliance plan that could require mediation. On January 4, 2003 Red Bank's governing body adopted a resolution canceling its RCA with Middletown.

"This document reflects badly on Middletown's governing body," Morehead stated. "This is just another example showing Middletown's reluctance to live up to its constitutional obligation."

"The money that is wasted by Middletown's governing body in litigation would be better spent in providing its constitutional obligation of affordable housing to young adults and seniors. Where we would have the opportunity to receive state and federal funds," Morehead continued.

"The costs that Middletown's majority places on the taxpayers without any benefit are shameful," Morehead concluded.

The Real Facts About Middletown And COAH

2008-04-05T14:04:00.000-04:00

LETTER TO THE EDITORE

April 3, 2008

The Real Facts About Middletown And COAH

To the Editor:

The facts that Middletown Mayor Gerard Scharfenberger and Steven Lonegan of Americans for Prosperity NJ are leaving out of their misleading rhetoric is that Middletown has around 260 units of affordable housing that it has not built from round one and two of its COAH obligation. Middletown has only completed 88 units of new housing, 122 rehabs of existing housing and has signed RCAs for 649 units of housing at $12.1 million going to other municipalities. This leaves a sizeable surplus from poor performance for the last 20 years.

At the rate that Middletown is going it will not meet its constitutional obligation by 2018. This is the real reason that Mayor Scharfenberger and his majority are worried about the “third round” obligation in my opinion. Middletown’s “gated community” approach to its affordable housing obligation has failed the town and its residents as well, do to the fact that if we do not meet our obligation we loose our protection under the FHA of 1985. This will mean that anyone wishing to develop, or in need of housing, will be able to sue Middletown, which will mean rapidly rising legal fees and rising property taxes for the residents of Middletown.

As for these mandates being unfunded, it is not true in my opinion. The federal and state governments have funds set up to relieve municipalities that build the housing in their communities. On the other hand, the municipalities who sign RCAs to get rid of their portion of affordable housing do not get to benefit from these funds, which in turn puts a heavy burden on tax payers. There is also a burden placed on residents by not having the housing in Middletown for our young adults starting out in life and our seniors who are facing rising costs on a fixed income.

In conclusion, is Middletown’s “gated community” approach to COAH in the best interest of Middletown’s residents or in the best interest of the majority of the governing body?

Matthew Morehead

Chairman- Monmouth County Bayshore Young Democrats

Middletown Doing a Disservice to Young Residents in Our Region

2008-04-05T14:03:00.000-04:00

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

March 26, 2008

Middletown Doing a Disservice to Young Residents in Our Region

To the Editor:

Mayor Gerard Scharfenberger and his majority on the Middletown Committee are doing a disservice to young residents in our region. The policy of paying poorer community’s to take the maximum amount of Middletown’s affordable housing obligation thru RCAs is a message in itself. Middletown has a lot of young men and women that work in the service industry. These people are an important part of the economy. Without these young workers, we would not have anyone to serve us when we go to a restaurant or a store. Many people that fall into this income bracket also serve in the military, police, fire, first aid, and in our hospitals.

Mayor Scharfenberger and his majority are telling these young people that they are good enough to serve them but not to live in their town, even though a lot of these young people were raised in this town. Being a young adult that lived in Middletown for most of my life, I find this policy bias and a bad reflection of character for Mayor Scharfenberger and his majority. In my opinion, and many others, this policy must come to an end. Mayor Scharfenberger and his majority must change their past practices and live up to their constitutional responsibilities.

I would also like to say that I support Mr. Morehead in his fight for an ordinance for regional preference that would give a larger portion of this housing to residents that live in the region, and his fight to bring more affordable housing to Middletown. With the issue of Middletown’s third round obligation of affordable housing growing as fast as it is, Mayor Scharfenberger should stop trying to blame others for the problems that face Middletown and show a little leadership in taking on these problems.

Michael Shamlian

Pictures of the rally

2008-04-01T01:07:00.005-04:00

Pres. George Bush Landing

Civic Action Group Singing

Congressman Frank Pallone

Some Protesters

A GOOD TIME HAD BY ALL AT A RALLY HELD IN PROTEST OF BUSH POLICIES

2008-04-01T01:00:00.003-04:00

A GOOD TIME HAD BY ALL AT A RALLY HELD IN PROTEST OF BUSH POLICIES

It was a good time had by all at last Fridays rally in Freehold, NJ held in protest of Pres. Bush and his failed policies in Washington and abroad. In attendance were Congressman Frank Pallone, a number of civic action groups, as well as a number of candidates from across Monmouth County. I also attended this event along with a fue members of my organization as well. We had a lot of fun and we met a lot of concerned citizens from across New Jersey.

Congressman Pallone spoke to the crowd in reference to the fact that credit counseling is an idea that’s time has passed. Pallone asked when the president was going to put real short and long term plans into effect for the nations struggling economy. Pallone also referenced the fact that we are spending an enormous amount of money and life on the WAR in Iraq, and that this money would be better spent helping the struggling families in America.

Needles to say it was a good day and I am looking forward to seeing the people I met again.

Middletown Is Using Tax Money To Displace Young Residents

2008-03-25T16:49:00.001-04:00

Middletown Is Using Tax Money To Displace Young Residents

To the Editor:

Middletown's approach to its COAH obligations affects all young adults in our area. The ability for young adults to get a start in the area has eroded in recent years. With the average student debt at around $25,000 and starting salaries around $30,000 - $40,000 a year a lot of young adults are starting with more debt than most of our parents did in their time. These factors along with the rising cost of living in the area are creating conditions that force young adults out of their communities.

The fact that is most troubling is that Mayor Gerard Scharfenberger and his committee is using our parent’s tax money to do this. Middletown has sent $12.1 million to other communities to take 649 of is affordable housing obligation. Middletown has had a standing policy to send as many units of affordable housing out of Middletown that it legally can since the creation of COAH. With the recent passing of a resolution on COAH, the Middletown committee has only reaffirmed the fact that it has no intention to change there past polices.

Mayor Scharfenberger and his majority do nothing but complain about the troubles that are facing the state today and blame all the problems that face Middletown on Trenton. Not only is this not leadership, but when it comes to the issue of COAH they are also taking a stance against the constitution which they took an oath to uphold. Affordable housing is a constitutional obligation and to make use of loopholes and fight against this obligation can be considered a stance against this states constitution and a violation of that oath. This of course is just my opinion and the opinion of a number of other residents in Middletown.

Tim Hubbard

More Affordable Housing Needed in Middletown

2008-03-20T10:44:00.001-04:00

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Match, 17 2008

More Affordable Housing Needed in Middletown

To The Editor:

With the growing debate on our third round obligation for the Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) I feel that Middletown can do more than pay poorer municipalities to take as much as legally possible through Regional Contribution Agreements (RCAs). In my opinion this is nothing more than Middletown utilizing a legal loop hole to get around its constitutional obligation.

As a young resident of Middletown this issue directly affects me and my family. The practice of using RCAs to displace young residents from the communities that they were raised in is immoral and should be suspended. I applaud and support the efforts of Matthew Morehead in his fight to bring more affordable housing to Middletown.

Mayor Gerald Scharfenberger and his committee should stop their practice of “Gated Community” with its COAH obligation. Also, I support Mr. Morehead in his attempt to have an ordinance of regional preference adopted to award more of this housing to residents in the region.

In conclusion if Mayor Scharfenberger and his committee are unwilling to change their practice then it will be up to Mr. Morehead, his organization, and all young residents to appeal to other municipalities not to accept RCAs from Middletown. This would force Middletown to live up to its constitutional obligation and end its bias “Gated Community” approach to COAH.

Cory Blais

###

Brookdale Democrats Join With M.C. Bayshore Young Democrats

2008-02-28T22:38:00.002-05:00

Press Release

February 28, 2008

For Immediate Publication

Brookdale Democrats Join With M.C. Bayshore Young Democrats

Middletown Township (Monmouth County, NJ): Monmouth County Bayshore Young Democrats Chairman Matthew Morehead and John Swift Brookdale Democrats President announce that their organizations are joining together in the fight for affordable housing for young residents.

Mr. Morehead and Mr. Swift both feel that the issue of affordable housing is an important problem facing young adults in Middletown and Monmouth County. By joining their two groups together, they feel that it will strengthen the voice of young adults in Monmouth County. They also feel it will bring more public debate about reform in Monmouth County.

“By our sister organizations joining together we will unify and motivate young adults in Monmouth County,” Morehead stated. “For real change to happen it is up to the next generation to speak up to end the status quo”

“The decisions that our elected offices make today will affect our future,” Swift said. “It is time that we make our voices heard, so that we can have hope for a better future.”

“With the cooperation of the Monmouth County Bayshore Young Democrats and the Brookdale Democrats on this issue, as well as future issues, will bring real change to Monmouth County,” Morehead concluded.

###

Mrs. Whittom infers that all of the young people in my organization, are "socialists"

2008-02-23T16:58:00.004-05:00

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

February 23, 2008

To The Editor:

In its Feb. 20 edition, in the Letters section of the newspaper, The Independent printed a letter by Middletown resident Lois Whittom. The letter was titled “Dems imposing socialism on Middletown.”

Mrs. Whittom directly called me a “socialist” because I am advocating for housing that is affordable for young people in Middletown. I do not feel the need to label Mrs. Whittom any ridiculous labels because she may feel that a good start for young families is not important.

Middletown sent over $12 million in recent years through RCAs to other municipalities. Mrs. Whittom makes the “argument” that this is somehow keeping out undesirables from Middletown. There are plenty of working young families in Middletown, where adults are earning about $35,000 per year each. Why should they not only be discriminated against, but that discrimination is subsidized by municipal tax money?

Mrs. Whittom makes the case I am a socialist because I am advocating for young people who are earning between $30,000-$40,000 per year. Her assertions are ludicrous. The housing that is being desired in Middletown is well out of the price range of working young people in the township. The Township Committee, with township tax revenue, created this condition.

I think Mrs. Whittom is irresponsible to call me a socialist, and that speaks very badly about her character. She does not agree with me, so she has to label me with some terrible name in public through a newspaper. This is a problem, which she should probably reflect on, since it represents a personal attack against me. She is saying I am something I am not, and yet she knows that. Her conduct is not responsible, and cannot avoid reflecting upon her.

Further, Mrs. Whittom infers that all of the young people in my organization, who have attended colleges and universities, been brought up in the Bayshore, have friends and family here, and have contributed and continue to contribute in so many activities are socialists, which is patently wrong. If Mrs. Whittom does represent a side of anything, it can’t be a good one. All she can do is call people terrible names with no justification, and no real argument or facts.

Matthew Morehead
Chairman, Monmouth County Bayshore Young Democrats

AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN OTHER TOWNS???

2008-02-13T05:53:00.001-05:00

DID YOU KNOW THAT MIDDLETOWN IS USING YOUR TAX MONEY TO BUILD AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN OTHER TOWNS???

Your tax money is building affordable homes for residents in:

Long Branch

Asbury Park

Union Beach

Highlands

Atlantic Highlands

Keyport

While young families in Middletown are being forced into communal living or are forced to live with their parents.

Tell Mayor Scharfenberger and his township committee to: Stop the use of RCAs!!!

Tell them that you want your tax money to go to building affordable housing for Middletowns young families.

Tell them you want your tax money to stay in Middletown!!!

Election of Mayor: “The Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure”

2008-02-13T05:48:00.002-05:00

This is something someone sent me:

Election of Mayor:

Based on the guidelines provided by “The Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure” by Alice Sturgis, proper procedures to elect the Mayor of Middletown, New Jersey were not followed. Enclosed are the outlined procedures from Chapter 18 “Nominations and Elections” p150-152 and the procedures not followed:

“To open nominations the presiding officer may say: “Are there nominations for the office…”

· (Done satisfactory by the Township Clerk).

“Any member may rise and say, for example, “I nominate …”

· (Done satisfactorily by Mrs. Brightbill in her nomination of Mr. Scharfenberger).

“Nominations do not require seconds … but it is permitted for other members to give endorsing statements”

· (Done somewhat satisfactorily. Mr. Wilkins seconded Mrs. Brightbill’s nomination. This was not required).

“The presiding office should repeat the request for further nominations….”

· (Not followed by the Township Clerk. The clerk never made a request for further nominations).

“…And pause to allow ample opportunity for members to present nominees.”

· (Not followed by the Township Clerk. The Clerk never provided ample time for members to present nominees. The Clerk hastily closed the nomination).

“When there appear to be no further nominations for a particular office, the chair may declare nominations for that office closed.”

· (Mr. Short made clear that he had a nomination to make. The Town Clerk stated that Mr. Wilkins’ motion closed the nominations and did not permit Mr. Short from making a nomination before closing the nominations).

“A motion to close nominations is not required but, if made, requires two-thirds vote for adoption.”

· (Not followed. Mr. Wilkins seconded Mrs. Brightbill’s nomination, which was not required, but then promptly motioned the nominations be closed. Since the motion was made, this required a two-thirds vote for adoption to close the nomination; which was not done).

“The presiding officer should not recognize a motion to close nominations or declare them closed if any members are rising to be recognized for the purpose of making a nomination”.

· (Not followed by the Township Clerk. It was clear that Mr. Short was rising to be recognized for the purpose of making a nomination and the Clerk did not give him the same courtesy to present his nomination as she had in receiving the first nomination).

The Monmouth County Bayshore Young Democrats Go .org

2008-02-12T07:32:00.000-05:00

Yesterday the Monmouth County Bayshore Young Democrats launched their new permanent web sight MCBayshoreYoungDems.org.This is a major step in bringing a voice to the youth of Monmouth County. It is a one-stop shop for just about everything. It features a guest book, easy sign up page, and much more.

Stop by today and check it out. While you are there sign the guest book and sign up. The path to change starts with you. Stand up and speak out.

Bayshore Young Democrats Announce Their Support For Pat Walsh, For Freeholder

2008-02-09T21:13:00.000-05:00

PRESS RELEASE

February 10, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION

Bayshore Young Democrats Announce Their Support For Pat Walsh,For Freeholder

Middletown Township (Monmouth County, NJ): Today the Monmouth County Bayshore Young Democrats Chairman Matthew Morehead announced his organizations support for Patricia Walsh, on her decision to run for Monmouth County Freeholder during the November ’08 race.

Mrs. Walsh has advocated for better educational reforms. She is also very vocal against eminent domain abuse, as well as for tax reform, and control.

“This is the type of person that we need on the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders,” Morehead stated.

Mrs. Walsh has explained her case for less government spending during last year's 13th District Assembly race. In her race, she ran a contest for state office with $15,000, in the face of opponents that had many times more than that.

“A person who is willing to take the risk to do it for less, to prove the point that it can be done. This is the best person to control the runaway spending that has rapidly made this state's taxes so high,” Morehead concluded.

###

Honoring Six of Middletown’s Finest

2008-02-09T01:48:00.001-05:00

I feel honored to have attended the retirement dinner for six of Middletown’s finest. These men have served our community with distinction.

Their names are as fallows:

DFC. Barry Grimm,

Lt. Will Best,

Lt. Stanley Malinowski,

DFC. Rich Rast,

CPL. Frank Holden,

CPL. Glenn Morehead.

This is the speech I gave at this event for one of the officers, my father.

Retirement Speech

I would like to start by thanking all of the officers here today for their years of service to our community, as members of one of the finest police department in New Jersey. But I am here to speak about one officer in particular. This man has dedicated his life to serving our community and his family. This man has made sacrifices his whole life. Putting his family and his community before himself. This man worked hard to make sure that his family had not only what they needed but the things they wanted as well. This man has all ways been there for his family. Standing by there side with out question. This man also has all ways been there for his community starting from the age of 15.

He has served as:

A Leonardo First Aid Explorer,

A Middletown Police Explorer,

A Middletown Police Special,

A National Park Ranger at Sandy Hook,

A Middletown Police Officer,

A Volunteer at Leonardo First Aid,

A Volunteer at Lincroft Fire Co.,

He Was on The Board of Directors of Middletown Fire Academy,

He is also a Police, Fire, and First Aid Instructor,

He also has more certifications than anyone I know.

I am proud to say that this man is my father: retired officer CPL. Glenn Morehead. Growing up, my father instilled in me that there is nothing more rewarding then serving your community and speaking out for what is right. My hope is that I will be able to live up to the bar that my father has set. Thank you dad for everything you have done for our family, for our community, and congratulations on you retirement.

Young Democrats Take On Middletown’s Use of RCAs

2008-02-06T21:00:00.000-05:00

Press Release

February 6, 2008

For Immediate Publication

Young Democrats Take On Middletown’s Use of RCAs

Middletown Township (Monmouth County, NJ): Monmouth County Bayshore Young Democrats Chairman Matthew Morehead addressed the growing problem facing young adults of the lack of affordable housing in Middletown do to the use of RCAs at the townships workshop meeting on February 4, 2008.

During the public comments portion of the meeting Mr. Morehead pleaded the case that Middletown’s policy of using RCAs to pay other townships over $12 million to build 649 of Middletown’s units of affordable housing, has had a great impact on young adults trying to start families of their own. Many of these young adults are current resident or are the children of current residents of Middletown. The other point that was made was that the town was using the tax money of these young peoples parents to do this.

While Mr. Morehead was speaking, Mayor Gerard Scharfenberger made remarks on the issue. When Mr. Morehead tried to finish pleading his case Mayor Scharfenberger interrupted by stating, “ I am not going to debate this issue with you.” Then he moved on.to the next speaker.

“This just goes to show that there is no room for concerned residents to make their case to the Mayor and the Republican majority if it differs from their stance on the issue,” Morehead stated. “It also shows that the Mayor Scharfenberger has no intention of addressing the problems that face young resident of this town,” Morehead concluded.

###

What Impact Will Young Voter Have On Today’s Primary?

2008-02-05T18:53:00.000-05:00

Will this day turn out to be a historic day for young men and women. With a large number of young voters expected to turn out for today's Primary Election . Will this day go down in history as the day that the youth of America decided that it was time for a change?

Whether you are for Sen. Clinton or Sen. Obama, today the young voters will show the direction that we feel this county should move towards. The impact that it will make is whether we feel that following the ways of the past or looking forward to a new future is the direction that we want to head in this country. This is why it is important to get out and make a difference. So get out and speak up. The path to change starts with you.

Matthew Morehead
Chairman- Monmouth County Bayshore Young Democrats

Mayor Scharfenberger Quiets A Young Voice Against The “Gated Community” Approach To COAH

2008-02-05T18:10:00.000-05:00

At Middletown Township's workshop meeting on February 4, 2008, I brought up the growing problem for young adults of finding affordable housing in Middletown. Only to have Mayor Sharfenburger cut me off before I was finished making my case. With the comment “ I am not going to debate this with you.” then he moved to the next speaker.

This was after he brought up the topic of COAH earlier in the workshop meeting. This just proves the point even more that Mayor Scharfenberger and the Republican majority will not stand for any dissension in there “gated community” approach to COAH. As a voter in Middletown, I think that it is appalling that a concerned resident cannot bring an issue to the Mayor if it is differing in his belief. This is not the type of democracy our Founding Father’s set in place in this grate nation. By this act he is violating his oath of office.

Mayor Sharfenberger and his Republican majority have abandoned the ideal that President Lincoln set forth in the Gettysburg Address, “that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” This cannot be allowed to continue in Middletown.

Later in the meeting it was brought up that there was going to be a meeting on COAH. When I tried to ask if it was going to be open to the public Mayor Scharfenberger said “you had your time.” Thankfully Committeeman Pat Short asked the question for me. If it weren’t for Mr. Short I would not have known that the meting would be open to the public.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

2008-02-04T17:04:00.000-05:00

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

February 4, 2008

To the Editor:

Mayor Gerald Scharfenberger and Middletown Republican Club President Jim Hinckley would have you believe that Mrs. Judith Stanley-Coleman is the most generous person in Middletown. Where I will not take away from the good things that she has done, there are taxes not being paid because she is paying a farmland assessment – and she's not running a farm.

Mayor Scharfenberger and Mr. Hinckley both stated that Mrs. Stanley-Coleman pays $50,000 a year in taxes where this looks like a fair number to most people, it is misleading. Mrs. Stanley-Coleman may pay $50,000 a year, but the real question here is how much is she not paying do to the differing assessments she has on her property? This is a woman that has stated in the past that others in Middletown should leave if they can't afford their taxes. To me this looks like a way around paying for what she has. This puts the real issue in prospective.

It gives Mrs. Stanley-Coleman the money to give a fair amount of money to her political friends. Then she throws some around so no one asks any questions. This also probably has earned her a place as head of the planning board of Middletown.

As head of the planning board she has the power to build Middletown in the image she sees fit. Again this is the same Mrs. Stanley-Coleman that thinks that the rest of the hard working people struggling to make ends meet should leave. Could this be one of the reasons that “Middletown was the most prolific user of RCAs, sending $12.1 million to other municipalities to handle 649 of its affordable housing credits that would otherwise have been built in the township,” Jonathan Tamari Of Gannett stated this in an article on November 14, 2007.

I have to ask, are these people the ones you want to entrust to make the big decisions? Do you think that they will act in your best interests, or just there own? Are these people using your tax money to build a town that your children will not be able to afford to stat families of their own? Is this the image of Middletown that you have?

Matthew Morehead

Chairman- Monmouth County Bayshore Young Democrats

###

Members Needed, Sign Up Today!!!

2008-02-02T19:46:00.000-05:00

The Monmouth County Bayshore Young Democrats need you to come share your voice. It is up to you to change the way the future is going. You are the change that this country needs. Starting with February’s township committee meeting the Monmouth County Bayshore Young Democrats will take on affordable housing for young adults. Middletown is the most prolific user of RCAs paying other Municipalities to build 649 units that should have been built in Middletown. This policy cannot stay in place. We are the ones that have to power to change it. This issue affects all of you, whether you live in Middletown or not. Where will we get our start in life? Will we be forced into communal living, or will we just live with our parents forever? To join go to our wed sight at: Monmouth County Bayshore Young Democrats.

Silence is NOT Golden

2008-01-27T15:41:00.000-05:00

I have heard it said countless times, by my friends, family, and even my own husband: "There are two things you should never talk about in public - religion and politics." In a democracy, I don't believe any topics should be off limits; the first amendment protects my right to discuss whatever I want, whenever I want, with whoever I want. In fact, political discourse serves as my go-to party talk. I spent Christmas Eve engaged in an intelligent political debate with my very Republican brother-in-law, and celebrated Barack Obama's South Carolina primary win while at an engagement party. And guess what? Nothing bad came of either instance of breaking the cardinal "don't talk politics" rule. If anything, especially in the instance with my brother-in-law, both myself and my conversational counterparts learned a few things about the other side's perspective. No voices were raised, no one was insulted, no friendships were ruined. These are just two examples of the interesting and often lively conversations I part-take in everyday, about what I consider to be the single most important topic in existence - the leadership and governance of our country.
I am not saying that every conversation I have is about politics, nor should it be. However, purposefully avoiding any political conversations does a disservice to the founding fathers who fought to give us a democratic system of government where the free exchange of ideas would be encouraged. Somehow, we have devolved as a nation into a society that seemingly discourages political discourse in everyday life, and this simply should not be. A conversation with someone who disagrees with your political point of view does not automatically result in an argument or lead to some sort of fist fight. On the contrary, such discourse can actually lead to enlightenment on both sides or, at the very least, a new respect for another's opinion. These kinds of conversations should absolutely go on between friends and family on a regular basis. After all, if you can't share and have your opinions respected by your friends (even and especially when those opinions are dissimilar), what kind of friends are they?
Everyone seems very able to complain about politics when the given position is a popular one. Yet very few individuals are courageous enough to talk about the policies and/or politicians who most affect their everyday lives. It is your right and, in my opinion, your duty as an American to share your thoughts and opinions and fight for those policies and candidates whom you most believe in.
With Super Tuesday just over a week away, I encourage everyone, from political novice to seasoned political junkie, to make their voice heard. This presidential election will have bearing on all of us, and the youth vote especially can make a strong difference in the direction our country is taken in. With a war still raging on, social security about to be bankrupted, a recession not on the horizon but already crashing onto our shores, and the continued healthcare atrocity, our opinions and actions are necessary now perhaps more than ever before. Use your voice, stand your ground, and do not be afraid to speak up.

14 Tickets for Uninspected Municipal Vehicles in Middletown

2008-01-27T03:20:00.000-05:00

At the last meeting at town hall I brought up the fact that there were 14 tickets issued for 14 of Middletowns municipal vehicles on 12/31/07 by Frank Holden a Middletown police officer that retired that same day. When I questioned Mayor Gerared Scharfenburger if we had the money in town to maintain the vehicles he had the township attorney reply to my question.

The attorney stated that there was the money to maintain the cars. So I asked if it was gross miss management of the department. After that the reply I got was that the tickets were written to promote an agenda that the officer had. Well I had to take a breath after that. I couldn't believe that the township attorney would acutely elude to the officer writing fraudulent tickets the day he was retiring to for some agenda. When I asked him this he back tracked and said that the tickets were not fraudulent.

The only agenda the officer may have had we the fact that the township does a poor job of maintaining there police fleet and it had been a concern for many years. My father was a Middletown police officer for many years. Over the years I have seen many check engine lights on and I have herd many complaints of the condition of the cars from a number of the other officers.

The real agenda is that the town does not want to fess up to the fact that they are not doing what they need too. Ultimately it is Mayor Scharfenburger that is responsible for making shore that all the departments in town are doing what is needed to keep the town running safely. The other question that came to me after I left is that mayor Scharfenburger feels that there is no room to cut the budget, but how can he know this if he doesen't even know how the money is being spent or what is even going on in the departments.

Attack on Affordable Housing for Young Families in Middletown

2008-01-24T15:55:00.000-05:00

Mayor Gerard Scharfenberger and his Republican majority on the Middletown Committee have taken a stance against young families in Middletown. As a young Middletown resident myself I feel that this stance is irresponsible and unforgivable. My family has owned property in Middletown for over 100 years starting with my great great grandparents having a summer property in old Camp Orville which is known as Leanardo today. I will be the first generation in my family that has to consider moving away from Middletown.

Mayor Scharfenburger and his companions have made an environment in Middletown that the children of current residents will not be able to return and start families of there own. Their opinion of affordable housing is that in the Middletown environment only senior housing is needed and not affordable housing for young adults. But the truth is that this will be the housing for the children of Middletown's parents. These young adults, many of whom grew up in Middletown, now will return home to find that the town that they grew up in doesn't want them. The part that gets me the most is that Mayor Scharfenburger is using the tax money of the parents of these young people to do this. It was stated that “Middletown was the most prolific user of RCAs, sending $12.1 million to other municipalities to handle 649 of its affordable housing credits that would otherwise have been built in the township.” In an article by Jonathan Tamari Of Gannett on November 14, 2007.

The facts that the Middletown Republican majority chooses to ignore in their bias stance are as follows. According to a study from The Project On Student Debt released in September of 2007: 65% of students graduating college have debt and the average debt is $20,142 which puts us 18^th in the nation, this is a rise 28% from 2005 when it was 62% of students leaving with debt at an average of $15,725. The study also states that the debt may also be $1,500 higher do to poor records at the collages. In combination with high debt, the average starting salaries for many post grades is between $30,000 and $40,000. That makes the prospect of getting a start in Middletown New Jersey look bleak.

According to the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, the maximum gross income limit is $39,300 for two-person households, $44,220 for three-person households, $49,140 for four-person households, and $53,100 for five-person households. Based on these numbers a large number of young families fall into this bracket. This includes young police officers that protect the resident of this town.

This bias policy must end, and Mayor Scharfenburger and his elite Republican friends must stop selling the future of Middletown at the expense of the residents and there families