A Fisherman\’s Tale

Ken and Bob are fishing in a boat under a bridge. Bob looks up and sees a funeral procession starting across the bridge. He stands up, takes off his cap, and bows his head. The procession crosses the bridge and Bob puts on his cap, picks up his rod and reel, and continues fishing. Ken says, \”That was touching. I didn\’t know you had it in you.\” Bob responds, \”Well, I guess it was the thing to do – after all, I was married to her for 40 years.\”

New Jersey News Round-Up Friday, January 5

by: DBK

Fri Jan 05, 2007 at 10:20:25 AM EST

And how\’s the new year been treating you so far?

Democrats partied like it was 1992 last night at Doll\’s Place in New Brunswick. Over a hundred of them gathered at the event, sponsored by a variety of state Democratic and progressive organizations, including BlueJersey, to eat, drink, and enjoy the Party\’s success. With Congressman Rush Holt highly visible all evening on C-Span (where he was discussing energy policy on the floor of the House), they were addressed by State Party Chair and Assemblymember Joe Cryan as well as Assemblymember Linda Stender. Also in attendance were congressional candidates Carol Gay and Rich Sexton and Morris County Freeholder candidate Dana Wefer. Senate President Richard Codey (D-Essex) has introduced major ethics reform proposals. With the past two elections marred by significant complaints of corruption, reforms are needed to restore public confidence and clean up government. The proposed changes have received support from Governor Corzine. (It might also be a good idea to make it illegal for a legislator to work for UMDNJ.) Jersey City Deputy Mayor Ador Equipado resigned last night amid allegations that he demanded money to perform a wedding ceremony and promoted his phone service business at the wedding. Jersey City does not allow its officials to charge fees for performing weddings or civil ceremonies. (Hardly a day goes by, you know what I\’m sayin\’?) Arijit De resigned Thursday from his post as head of Camden\’s redevelopment project. Redevelopment project have been stalled due to court challenges and community opposition. Supporters of De pointed to his commitment to the project and the city, while opponents claim that he did not take resident wishes into account. Some of his plans would have required thousands of residents to give up their older homes. (In a refreshing change, De did notresign amid corruption charges.) From the The Job\’s Not Over Until the Paperwork Is Done Department comes the story of the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, which failed to charge polluters $10 million to clean up their messes because they didn\’t do the paperwork. DEP Commissioner Lisa Jackson said the DEP is working on a new billing system to fix things. You knew it was going to happen. Now that the notion of lowering costs by consolidating of services has caught on, some small town officials are opposing it. Watch your hyperbole meters, folks: \”It\’s one of the most dangerous bills that is floating out there,\” said Metuchen Mayor Edmund O\’Brien, referring to a measure that would create a County Superintendent, consolidate municipal services and move school and fire district elections to November among other changes. A budget review meeting in Trenton became a sort of Festivus event as parents took the opportunity for airing their grievances regarding the state of Trenton\’s public schools. (\”I got a lot of problems with you people!\”…\”Festivus\” is a Seinfeld reference, for those who were confused by it.)

Gloucester City\’s Reorganization Meeting Begins With A Number of \”Bombshell\” Surprises

Photos by Bruce Darrow; article by Bill Cleary

January 4

Gloucester City-Council chambers was packed with friends and supporters to witness the swearing in of three new council members along with a incumbent councilman.

Taking the oath of office (above from left, was incumbent Democrat Councilman William Hagan (1st Ward), Independent Democrat Councilman Jay Brophy (3rd Ward), Independent Democrat Mayor William James, and Independent Democrat Councilman Nick Marchese (2nd Ward). On hand to administer the oath of office to the foursome was State Assembly Speaker Joe Roberts.

In November the three unknowns without any political experience knocked their opposition off their feet to win the Mayor post along with two council seats. Even so the majority of power remained with the Democrat machine as the incumbent councilman Hagan was thought to be entrenched with those who had been in control of the city for many years.

Apparently though Hagan was not happy with the way the Dem\’s had been running the community. He showed his displeasure with his vote during Thursday meeting. A motion was made to do away with the position of Confidential Aide to the Mayor. A $40,000 full time job to assist a mayor who held a part-time volunteer position. With the vote tied 3-3 Hagan voted with the Independents and the position was eliminated.

It was also evident during the proceedings that the incumbents were surprised by the motion that Councilman Marchese made to begin broadcasting the council meetings on the local cable channel. The motion carried 7-0 but you could tell several of the incumbents were not happy with what they claimed was supposedly a motion that was still in the \”talking stage\”.

Several years ago, the Democratic council did away with that practice. The reason given was the public played up to the camera during the open forum of the meeting. One council member said at the time, \”they use the opportunity to have their 15 minutes of fame.\”

It was no surprise that Solicitor Jim Maley wouldn\’t be re-appointed. A fixture at city council meetings for nearly two decades the solicitor with the big wide grin on his face was replaced by attorney James Kearney of Haddon Heights.

Following the meeting the Independents held a celebration for family, friends and supporters at O\’Hara\’s Pub on King Street. It is interesting to note that Mayor James father, Bill Sr., served on council in the 60\’s and 70\’s and Councilman Brophy\’s father, Jack, served on council in the 80\’s.

The photos of the proceedings and the festivities can been viewed in the column to your left.

photo by Lori Walker

Gloucester City-The trees surrounding Martins Lake on Johnson Blvd. are starting to bloom. The weatherman\’s forecast for Saturday (January 6) calls for a chance of showers with a high of 71 degrees. To all you \”snowbirds\” sell your home in Florida and stay in New Jersey.

HILLMAN, WILLIAM A.
On December 30, 2006, of Gloucester City, NJ. Age 94.
He was the beloved husband of the late Laura (nee Kind) and loving father of William D. Hillman and his wife Barbara of Woodbury Heights, and James M. Hillman and his wife Yoshiko of Williamstown. He is also survived by his dear brother Arthur E. Hillman, seven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild.
Mr. Hilman was a resident of Gloucester City since 1945. He had been an employee of Campbell Soup Co. where he retired after 32 years of service to the company. He enjoyed bowling and for many years was a member of several area bowling leagues.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet Friday morning from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the ETHERINGTON-CRERAN FUNERAL HOME, 700 Powell St., Gloucester City. Mr. Hillman\’s Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM. Entombment at Eglington Cemetery in Clarksboro, will be private at the request of the family. In lieu of flowers Memorial Donations may be made to the St. Mary\’s Tuition Fund, 426 Monmouth St., Gloucester City, NJ 08030.