The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection invites the public to get outside and connect with nature during National Trails Day this Saturday, June 6, by participating in one of 22 guided hikes throughout state parks, forests and historic sites.
Continue reading “SHERRILL ADMINISTRATION INVITES PUBLIC TO PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL TRAILS DAY EVENTS TODAY SATURDAY, JUNE 6 “Gloucester City, NJ(August 30, 2021)(CNBNews)— The November 2 election in Gloucester City will have three different groups offering candidates for the positions on the council that are open. When Mayor Dan Spencer resigned suddenly in April, he still had a year and a half left on his four-year term. His resignation set up the following chain of events. Democrat Councilman at large Pat Keating stepped down from his position and was appointed to the mayor’s seat until this November’s election. The fact that there were two unexpected openings on the council seems to have got two former mayors with different philosophies thinking about getting back in the arena.
Those two mayors are Robert (Bob) Bevan, who was elected in the 80s to two terms as an independent, and Charles (Chuck) Billingham, who was elected in the mid-90s as a democrat.
Former Gloucester City Mayor Robert Bevan’s candidate for Pat Keating’s council-at-large seat is Sarah O’Brien; she is very involved in a youth program called Community Rocks, which teaches art and music to kids, according to Bevan.
Bevan had hoped to have a candidate to run Spencer’s unexpired term, but was unable to find anyone interested. “We had short notice; the deadline for us to gather names on the nomination petition was today, August 30, by 4 PM. That seat, along with Keating’s at-large position, will be up for re-election next November. Hopefully, we can get more people interested in running for office by then.”
We will talk with Bevan about why he got back into the political arena later this week. We will also have more information about Sarah O’Brien at that time.
Billingham announced today that he is forming his own Democratic Party in Gloucester City, and is backing Dale Baile for mayor, George Berglund for council, and newcomer Robbie Page for Keating’s at-large council seat. Billingham said he has resigned from the Gloucester City Democrat Club and is just organizing this new group. He emphasized he was not going to run for any position on council or any other body.
“I don’t want to do anything in a vacuum or behind closed doors from now on; everything will be in the open. The people I spoke to so far agreed to that open-door policy. I have the blessing of Jim Beach, the chairman of the Camden County Democratic organization and also the state Democratic organization, to proceed with the reorganization of the Gloucester City Democratic Party. After speaking with Chairman Beach, he promised that the candidates I am backing in November will be listed in Column 1 on the ballot. The incumbents who are up for re-election have been moved to Column 2. “
“In the future, I like to see incumbents earn the right to run for re-election. Under the present system, an incumbent can stay in office as long as he wants, even if he isn’t doing his job. Asked who else is involved in this change, Billingham said, “Presently it is just and Ad-hoc group of non-political people who agree with me that our city is going in the wrong direction.”
Asked who was in charge of the present Democrat Party, Billingham said, “My son Michael is the head of those people, and there is a bit of a private disagreement between us. I have no intention of running for office. I am just an advisor.”
What made you decide to start this movement?
“I have been out of politics since 2015, but in recent months, I met with the present members of the Party, and I wasn’t hearing anything different coming from their mouths. I just got my tax bill and I saw how high it was this year, I just had to do something. I also have been reading your Peyton and Me Meandering columns and I see quality of life problems I just didn’t like. “
“Robbie Page has an incredible educational background in finance. He has the backing of the Camden County Democrats. Rob will be out knocking on doors, meeting everyone he can between now and November 2. Dale Baile is running for mayor. He is a businessman who has been involved in civic activities for many years. He is going to make a great mayor.”
Lastly, I would like to make it clear that I don’t approve of personal attacks on candidates. I will disagree with someone’s policies, but it upsets me when the Party or the local Democrats bash someone’s personality. I tried for six months to influence those running the local organization to my way of thinking. But, they disagreed with me and forced me to take this action.”
Once we know the names of the candidates the regular Democrats are nominating, we will publish that information.
| Congressman Van Drew toured the Delaney Hall Detention Facility to see the conditions, operations, and law enforcement response for himself. “I toured Delaney Hall today because I wanted to see the facts with my own eyes,” said Congressman Van Drew. “What I saw was very different from the political story being pushed by some of my Democrat colleagues. The facility has doctors, nurses, and dentists providing medical care. There is a law library for detainees to study their cases along with a regular library, and large spaces for recreation, including a soccer field and a gym. The food service provides menu options for religious needs, kosher meals, allergies, and other dietary restrictions. I saw good conditions, clean facilities, basic care, and a detention center where ICE and DHS are doing a hard job that keeps our communities safe. Quite frankly, the conditions I saw today are better than what you see in some nursing homes. Let’s be honest about who is being held here. These are illegal immigrants with criminal histories involving drug trafficking, weapons charges, assault, fraud, money laundering, cocaine distribution, and other serious offenses. They are exactly the kind of people ICE should be taking off our streets. “Americans have every right to peacefully protest, but when you throw objects at officers, assault law enforcement, block federal agents, and riot outside a detention facility, you are breaking the law. Local police must keep working with ICE, DHS, and federal law enforcement to maintain order. ICE and DHS are doing their job, and I will continue to stand with the men and women who protect the American people.” |
Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson introduced legislation today that would impose a 100% New Jersey state income tax on any payments received through President Donald Trump’s $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund. Bill A5196, one of the first-of-its-kind in the country, would effectively eliminate any net financial benefit for recipients residing in New Jersey.
The fund was established to compensate individuals who claim they were targeted by the Biden administration and Democratic officials as victims of political “weaponization” and “lawfare.” Critics have raised concerns that individuals connected to the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, including New Jersey residents who were charged and later pardoned, could potentially benefit from the program.
Continue reading “Reynolds-Jackson Introduces Bill to Tax Payments from Trump’s Anti-Weaponization Fun”
| As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly used in the workplace to streamline tasks and make operations more efficient, Assembly Democrats continue to encourage responsible growth of technology. The Assembly Regulated Professions Committee today advanced Bill A4731, which would create a model policy for the use of generative AI. Assemblymembers Tennille R. McCoy, Balvir Singh and Luanne Peterpaul sponsored the legislation. “Navigating the practical uses of AI is one of the most important challenges facing professionals today,” said Assemblywoman McCoy (D-Mercer, Middlesex). “As this technology becomes more common in workplaces across New Jersey, we must ensure there are clear standards and regulations in place to protect consumers while also allowing a space for innovation.” Bill A4731 would direct professional and occupational boards to promulgate rules for licensee use of generative AI. Specifically, the bill would direct the Division of Consumer Affairs to create a model policy governing the use of generative AI by licensed professionals across New Jersey’s regulatory boards. The boards would then be able to use that model policy to create and adopt policies for their professions, putting guardrails in place to ensure that professionals use generative AI in ethical and fair ways to best benefit their clients, patients or customers. “New technology like generative AI can be a useful tool to boost efficiency, but we need to put some standards in place,” said Assemblyman Singh (D-Burlington). “As we continue moving into the digital future, providing guidance to make sure licensed professionals are using AI in a way that is consistent with their duties and obligations is more important than ever.” “Studies show that many businesses and professionals are still in the experimentation or piloting phase of using AI, making now the perfect time to advance Bill A4731,” said Assemblywoman Peterpaul (D-Monmouth). “The integration of AI in the workplace is inevitable, and establishing guidelines today will benefit the patients, workers and consumers of tomorrow.” |
| Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Wayne P. DeAngelo that would establish a pathway for advanced nuclear energy development in New Jersey cleared the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee today. Bill A4881, known as the “Powering Opportunity, Workforce, and Energy Reliability for New Jersey Act,” seeks to strengthen energy reliability, support workforce opportunities, and help meet the state’s future energy needs. The “Power NJ Act” would direct the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU), in collaboration with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA), to establish a program for procuring advanced nuclear energy facilities in the state. The legislation would create a process for evaluating and approving projects that can help address growing energy demands while ensuring benefits for ratepayers and maintaining system reliability. “As New Jersey strives to meet growing energy demands, we need to be proactive in pursuing reliable and forward-looking solutions,” said Assemblyman DeAngelo (D-Mercer, Middlesex). “Advanced nuclear technology has the potential to strengthen our energy infrastructure, support good-paying jobs, and provide a stable source of power that can meet future needs. This bill is about building a strong energy future while making sure we are creating opportunities and protecting ratepayers.” Under the bill, interested entities would submit proposals for advanced nuclear projects through a process overseen by the BPU. Projects would be evaluated based on their ability to improve reliability and resilience, contribute to capacity needs, and provide value for ratepayers. The legislation would also lay the groundwork for the establishment of a Reliability Capacity Certificate program. The program would be designed to support approved projects while allowing certain revenues generated by facilities to be returned to New Jersey consumers. In addition to A4881, the committee also advanced two other bills sponsored by Assemblyman DeAngelo focused on strengthening the state’s energy infrastructure. Bill A4882, the “New Jersey Natural Gas Modernization Act,” would establish expedited permitting pathways for certain qualifying energy projects to support system reliability and infrastructure upgrades. Bill A1072 would direct the BPU to establish a distributed energy storage incentive program. |
Today, Governor Mikie Sherrill announced her four-pronged plan to address the growing impact of data centers on the environment and communities, increase transparency, and hold them accountable. New Jersey Sierra Club Director, Anjuli Ramos-Busot, joined Senator Burzichelli, Assemblyman Bailey, IBEW and Mayor Stanzilis during this announcement.
This four-pillar approach to establish strong guardrails for data centers includes:
| Congressman Van Drew announced that the Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) will receive $8,777,683 in federal funding through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Infrastructure Grant program. The funding will support the construction of the new 3,800-foot Taxiway R to help strengthen airport operations. “Atlantic City International Airport is one of the most important economic engines in South Jersey, and this investment is going to help ensure it continues growing and competing for years to come,” said Congressman Van Drew. “At the same time, my office has been in ongoing conversations with airlines to expand air service in South Jersey that will fully replace Spirit. I think people are going to be excited about what is ahead, and there will be more announcements coming soon. ACY has a strong future, and we are only going to keep building on this momentum.” “On behalf of the entire South Jersey Transportation Authority, we thank Congressman Van Drew for securing this critical $8.7 million investment for the Atlantic City International Airport,” said Stephen F. Dougherty, SJTA Executive Director. “This funding moves Phase 3 of our Taxiway R improvement project forward and represents a major step toward bringing the airport into conformity with current aviation standards. The construction of more than 2,700 feet of grading and drainage infrastructure is essential groundwork for the future 3,800-foot taxiway and will enhance operational safety, efficiency, and long-term growth opportunities for the airport. We are grateful for Congressman Van Drew’s continued support of transportation infrastructure and economic development in South Jersey.” |
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If you’ve already received your Vote By Mail ballot, now is the perfect time to return it and check voting off your to-do list. Camden County makes the process quick and convenient with 29 secure, monitored drop box locations available throughout the county. No lines, no hassle. Once your ballot is submitted, you will receive confirmation via mail. Make your plan, return your ballot, and be part of the process. To learn more, Click Here.
| At Town Halls, Public Meetings, Our App, or Social Media Camden County provides several ways for residents to stay informed and connected with local government, including this weekly newsletter, social media, and live meetings. Camden County Board of Commissioners and Congressman Donald Norcross will be hosting Town Hall Meetings monthly, creating another level of access and opportunity. The next Town Hall Meeting will be announced soon. If you have any questions, or need assistance, please submit them and we will forward them to the appropriate level of government. Click Here to submit questions. The Camden County Board of Commissioners holds public Monthly Meetings at 520 Market St, 6th Floor, in Camden. The next Caucus Meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 16th, and the Monthly Commissioner Meeting on Thursday, June 18th. These meetings are held to help the community stay up-to-date on county proceedings. Click Here to watch meetings online. Take Camden County with you wherever you go! The Camden County App is our free mobile resource that serves as a one stop source for all of Camden County’s services, events, concerts, programs, weather alerts, and more. Stay connected on the go, available for both iPhone and Android. Click Here to download the app. |