PALLONE FOR SENATE ANNOUNCES MIDDLESEX ENDORSEMENTS

(Long Branch) – Middlesex County Elected officials announced their endorsement of Frank Pallone today and released the following statement:

Frank Pallone has been a leader in the Democratic Party for years and he is clearly the best choice to be our next United States Senator. He's been leading the charge in the fight for Democratic values and has always been on the front lines without hesitation for President Obama. Whether it is the fight to increase the federal minimum wage, the work he's done to protect our drinking water for our kids and grandkids or the leadership role he took in securing federal Sandy aid, Frank Pallone is always standing up for New Jersey's middle class.

"I am grateful to receive the endorsement from Middlesex County leaders. My only mandate each day is to fight for New Jersey's middle class taxpayers and remain undeterred by special interests and the Tea Party conservatives who would attack our Democratic principles. I believe it is most important to stand up for the things we believe in as Democrats and never back down from that fight,” said Pallone.

The following elected officials have announced their support for Congressman Frank Pallone in the August Special Election Primary:

Senator Bob Smith (D-17)
Assemblyman Joe Egan (D-17)
Assemblyman Peter Barnes III (D-18)
Assemblyman Patrick Diegnan (D-18)
Senator Joe Vitale (D-19)
Assemblyman John Wisniewski (D-19)
Assemblyman Craig Coughlin (D-19)
County Clerk Elaine Flynn
Surrogate Kevin Hoagland
Freeholder Director Ronald Rios
Freeholder Deputy Director Blanquita B. Valenti
Freeholder Carol Barrett
Freeholder James Polos
Freeholder Charles Tomaro
Mayor James Cahill – New Brunswick
Mayor Frederick Henry - South Amboy
Mayor John McCormac – Woodbridge
Mayor Gary Minkoff – Highland Park
Mayor Dan Reiman – Carteret
Mayor Thomas Vahalla - Metuchen
Mayor Brian Wahler –Piscataway

Pallone: GOP Bill Fails Women and Puts Their Health At Risk

Washington, DC –  Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) released the following statement on H.R. 1797, the Nationwide 20-Week Abortion Ban Bill passed by House Republicans today:

“The House Republicans’ decision to debate and vote on another extreme and dangerous bill that chips away at a woman’s constitutional right to choose is outrageous. Instead of debating and voting on bills to create jobs, the House GOP is pushing a measure to prevent women from controlling their own health and medical decisions. Even the provision added to address cases of rape and incest is so narrow that it would not be applicable to the majority of sexual assault cases.

“It is alarming how out of touch Republicans are on the issue of women’s health. A woman’s medical decisions should be private and made with input of doctors, not Republican politicians. I voted against this legislation, and I vow to continue to fight to protect women’s health in Congress.

Buono: Christie Cannot Be Trusted To Stand Up for Workers and Veterans

New Brunswick, NJ - Democratic gubernatorial candidate and State Senator Barbara Buono released the following statement:

"Time and time again, Governor Christie has pledged to protect benefits for public workers. However, his lofty statements have become nothing more than broken promises. As a candidate for Governor in 2009, Christie promised our teachers, police officers and firefighters that he would not diminish their benefits. But when push came to shove, the Governor inexplicably broke his promise to public workers. This time, Governor Christie claims that his proposed changes to the Civil Service Commission will not harm veterans’ benefits and make it harder for veterans to find jobs. Since his civil service commission refuses to speak about the rule changes, and the commission held only one meeting, in the middle of the day, we are again asked to believe the Governor’s promises. However, New Jersey workers and families cannot afford more of the Governor’s empty rhetoric. Governor Christie has turned his back on public workers before and we have every reason to believe he will do the same again."

Mayor Frank Minor Attacks Christie for Trying to Suppress New Jersey Voters

“This is neither good government nor ‘Jersey attitude. In Jersey everyone gets a fair shot."

Adding to the growing discontent with Governor Chris Christie’s decision to move the United States Senate special general election to October 16, Mayor Frank Minor today attacked Christie for being a hypocrite while engaging in efforts to suppress voter turnout throughout the state.

“Governor Christie has built a national brand for himself on the premise of good government and ‘Jersey attitude’,” said Mayor Minor. “But those of us actually living in this state know his pumped up national reputation to be smoke and mirrors. Governor Christie moved the special general election date to October 16 with the full knowledge that it would keep voter turnout down in the election for United States Senate and in his election for governor. There is no other reasonable assumption. With 700,000 more registered Democrats, the highest unemployment numbers in the region and an, on average, twenty percent increase on property tax bills across New Jersey during his tenure as governor, Chris Christie is deploying every trick in the book to suppress the vote and keep people home on Election Day. This is neither good government nor ‘Jersey attitude’ because, in our state everyone gets a fair shot."

Who is Rush Holt?

A: He’s the scientist/lawmaker who beat Watson at Jeopardy and just launched his first New Jersey Senate campaign video.

Sen. Ron Rice, Sr. Slams Christie for Voter Suppression Efforts

“Christie is showing he truly is a national frontrunner”

New Brunswick, N.J. – Citing Governor Christie’s decision to move the United States Senate special general election to October 16, just twenty days ahead of the regularly scheduled general election day, Sen. Ron Rice, Sr. today slammed the Governor for his efforts to suppress voter turnout throughout the state.

“Governor Christie can hide behind statutes, Office of Legislative Services opinions and late night talk show hosts as much as he’d like,” said Sen. Rice. “The reality is that what he is doing with this year’s United States Senate general election date is no different than efforts made by Republicans around the country in recent years to suppress the Democratic vote and, in particular, the minority vote. All across the country, from Florida to Ohio to Arizona, Republicans have tried every legal maneuver at their disposal to try and ensure less minority turnout in elections. With over 700,000 more registered Democratic voters in New Jersey, Governor Christie is choosing to hide behind a state statute and slow jams with Jimmy Fallon rather than do the right thing and make sure as many people as possible engage in the civic process of selecting our state’s next United States Senator. In the area of suppressing the vote, Christie is showing he truly is a national frontrunner for the Republican Party.”

Sheet Metal Workers State Council Endorses Pallone for U.S. Senate

(Long Branch) – The State Council of the Sheet Metal Workers International Association announced today their endorsement of Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. for U.S. Senate in the Special Primary Election set to take place on August 13th.

“Congressman Pallone has been a friend to the working men and women of New Jersey his entire career,” said Joseph Demark, Jr., President/Business Manager Local 25 and President of the NJ State Council of Sheet Metal Workers. “The Congressman has been a long time champion for the working class and he has a 100% voting record on the issues that matter most to our membership and we are proud to stand by him in this election.”

“I am honored by this endorsement,” said Pallone. “Now, more than ever, it is critical that we have leadership in Washington with experience fighting for, not against, organized labor.”

The State Council is comprised of five locals in New Jersey, Locals 25, 27, 22, 137 and 19 and represents over 8,500 members.

PALLONE FOR SENATE CALLS FOR MULTIPLE DEBATES

“Multiple debates will allow voters throughout the state to see all of the candidates and reach their own, unfiltered, conclusions”

Frank Pallone

LONG BRANCH ¬ With less than two months to go in the accelerated special Democratic Primary campaign for United States Senate, the Pallone for Senate campaign today released the following statement calling for multiple debates across New Jersey.

“With the special Primary Election Day coming up quickly on August 13, we believe it is critically important that New Jersey’s Democratic voters be afforded the opportunity to make a clear, rational decision on our party’s nominee for the United States Senate based on how the declared candidates would handle the important matters confronting the nation as opposed to having that decisions based solely on slick TV ads and twenty second sound bites.

The accelerated schedule to fill the seat vacated with Senator Frank Lautenberg’s passing has created a unique situation in which voters will only have a matter of weeks to determine who is best qualified to join Senator Menendez in the fight for New Jersey’s middle class. With issues like immigration reform, gun safety, job creation, a minimum wage increase, marriage equality, climate change and school reform all at the forefront, New Jersey’s Democratic voters need to make sure they have the critical information necessary to make that decision.

Today we are proposing multiple debates in order for New Jersey voters to be afforded the opportunity to choose the Democratic nominee for United States Senate based on substance and ability. Multiple debates will allow voters throughout the state to see all of the candidates and reach their own, unfiltered, conclusions so it is the hope of Pallone for Senate that the other three candidates for the Democratic nomination- Cory Booker, Sheila Oliver and Rush Holt- will all agree to this request for debates today.”

Crime Scene Middletown: Recent Police Activity Report 6/03/12 - 6/12/13

Written and Issued by the Middletown Police Department
Monday, June 17, 2013 - Arrests do not indicate convictions

Dennis Knapp, age 42, from Highland Avenue in Leonardo, NJ, arrested on June 3, 2013 by Patrolman Anthony Bumbico for Simple Assault. He was released after posting $2,500.00 bail with a 10% option set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Debra Featerston, age 50, from Main Street in Belford, NJ, arrested on June 3, 2013 by Patrolman Scott Davis for Defiant Trespass. She was released pending a court date.

Eric Nempsey, age 27, from Laurel Drive in Highlands, NJ, arrested on June 4, 2013 by Patrolman Anthony Dellatacoma for Simple Assault. He was released pending a court date.

Joseph Rispoli, age 18, from Bonifacio Drive in Middletown, NJ, arrested on June 4, 2013 by Patrolman James Beirne for Unlawful Possession of Xanax and Being under the Influence of Narcotics. He was released pending a court date.

Kara Fisler, age 20, from Bayshore Mobile Manor in Hazlet, NJ, arrested on June 4, 2013 by Patrolman Daniel Benbrook on Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Municipal Court. She was released after posting $1,500.00 bail.

Chelsea Villano, age 19, from Vermont Avenue in Port Monmouth, NJ, arrested on June 4, 2013 by Patrolman Anthony Bumbico on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Asbury Park Municipal Court. She was released after posting bail.

Raini Williams, age 33, from Kimberly Court in Red Bank, NJ, arrested on June 4, 2013 by Patrolman Greg Buhowski on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the East Orange Municipal Court. She was released after posting $125.00 bail.

Candace Ronan, age 24, from Willis Place in Red Bank, NJ, arrested on June 4, 2013 by Corporal Keith MacDonald on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Ocean Township Municipal Court. She was released after posting $50.00 bail.

Deborah Kehoe, age 57, from Knollwood Drive in Middletown, NJ, arrested on June 4, 2013 by Corporal Keith MacDonald on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. She was released after posting $310.00 bail.

Jon Siegert 3rd, age 25, from Shore Boulevard in Keansburg, NJ, arrested on June 5, 2013 by Patrolman Lawrence Seymour on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Keansburg Municipal Court. He was held on $160.00 bail.

Michael Patrick, age 19, from Mercer Street in Port Monmouth, NJ, arrested on June 5, 2013 by Patrolman Adam Colfer for Being under the Influence of Narcotics and Shoplifting. He was held on $2,500.00 bail set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Angel Okieme, age 18, from Highway 35 in Eatontown, NJ, arrested on June 5, 2013 by Patrolman Robert Shannon for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.She was released pending a court date.

Crystal Music, age 28, from Campbell Avenue in Port Monmouth, NJ, arrested on June 8, 2013 by Patrolman Daniel Benbrook for Shoplifting from the Rite Aid Pharmacy. She was released pending a court date.

Ramon Iglesias, age 30, from Manor Parkway in Lincroft, NJ, arrested on June 8, 2013 by Corporal Keith MacDonald on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was held on $1,500.00 bail.

Richard Kasprzak, age 29, from Bay Avenue in Keansburg, NJ, arrested on June 8, 2013 by Patrolman Ricardo Cruz on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was held on $614.00 bail.

James Weil, age 25, from Brandywine Way in Middletown, NJ, arrested on June 7, 2013 by Patrolman Daniel Benbrook on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $250.00 bail.

Chad Hacker, age 39, from Day Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on June 7, 2013 by Patrolman Ryan Riffert on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Atlantic Highlands Municipal Court. He was released after posting $165.00 bail.

Thomas Close, age 38, from Port Monmouth Road in Middletown, NJ, arrested on June 7, 2013 by Corporal Thomas Meckier for Shoplifting from the Foodtown Store. He was released pending a court date.

Russell Halbach, age 19, from Drift Road in Belford, NJ, arrested on June 7, 2013 by Patrolman James Beirne for Possession if under 50 Grams of Marijuana. He was released pending a court date.

Glenn Hilliard, age 47, from Leonard Avenue in Atlantic Highlands, NJ, arrested on June 7, 2013 by Patrolman Ricardo Cruz for Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Aggravated Assault and Stalking. He was held on $2,500.00 bail set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Cynthia Kaszuba, age 56, from Amy Way in Middletown, NJ, arrested on June 7, 2013 by Patrolman Ricardo Cruz on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Monmouth County Superior Court. She was held on $2,500.00 bail with a 10% option.

John Haining, age 60, from Garryford Drive in Middletown, NJ, arrested on June 7, 2013 by Patrolman Savino Capilupi for Simple Assault. He was held on $2,500.00 bail with a 10% option set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Guy Campbell, age 56, from Third Street in Fair Haven, NJ, arrested on June 7, 2013 by Patrolman Stephen Keller on Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Monmouth County Superior Court. He was held on $20,000.00 bail.

Wayne Johnson, age 40, from East Highland Avenue in Atlantic Highlands, NJ, arrested on June 6, 2013 by Patrolman Adam Colfer for Violation of a Court Order and Harassment. He was held on $4,000.00 bail with a 10% option set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Joseph Worth, age 27, from Waters Edge Drive in Toms River, NJ, arrested on June 6, 2013 by Patrolman Michael Pintilie on Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Toms River, Seaside Heights, Brick and Ocean Municipal Courts. He was released after posting $2,200.00 bail.

Mackenzie Killeen, age 21, from Michigan Avenue in Hazlet, NJ, arrested on June 6, 2013 by Patrolman Thomas Hughes for Burglary, Theft, Violation of a Restraining Order, Resisting Arrest, Criminal Mischief and on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Courts. He was held on $21,000.00 bail set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Robert Manzo, age 19, from Clairmont Avenue in Belford, NJ, arrested on June 6, 2013 by Patrolman Kent Thorton for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana. He was released pending a court date.

Daniel Murphy, age 22, from Campbell Avenue in Belford, NJ, arrested on June 6, 2013 by Corporal Joseph Glynn on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released on his own recognizance.

Paul Mergel, age 46, from Mercer Avenue in Belford, NJ, arrested on June 6, 2013 by Patrolman Richard Fulham for Possession of Heroin and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was released pending a court date.

Asa Liebmann, age 23, from William Street in Highland, NJ, arrested on June 6, 2013 by Patrolman Brady Carr for Possession of Heroin, Possession of Heroin with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of Heroin with the Intent to Distribute within 500 Feet of a Public Park, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Highlands Municipal Court. He was held on $20,000.00 bail set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Frank Mazza, age 19, from Thousand Oaks Drive in Atlantic Highlands, NJ, arrested on June 9, 2013 by Patrolman Frank Mazza for Possession of Alcohol by a Minor. She was released pending a court date.

William Allegar, age 34, from Lenison Avenue in Belford, NJ, arrested on June 9, 2013 by Patrolman Ryan Riffert for Impersonating a Police Officer. He was held on $5,000.00 bail set by Judge James Newman.

Tyrone Billingsley, age 42, from Wood Avenue in Port Monmouth, NJ, arrested on June 9, 2013 by Patrolman Daniel Benbrook on Non-Support warrants issued by the Monmouth County Superior Court. He was held on $8,000.00 bail.

Thomas Hardie, age 31, from Hosford Avenue in Leonardo, NJ, arrested on June 9, 2013 by Patrolman Ricardo Cruz on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Sea Bright Municipal Court. He was released on his own recognizance.

Scott Fellion, age 42, from Liberty Place in Hazlet, NJ, arrested on June 9, 2013 by Patrolman Albert Scott for Disorderly Conduct. He was released pending a court date.

George McNulty, age 43, from Southend Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on June 9, 2013 by Patrolman Keith Hirschbein for Simple Assault. He was released after posting $2,500.00 bail with a 10% option set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Thomas Hardie, age 31, from Hosford Avenue in Leonardo, NJ, arrested on June 9, 2013 by Corporal Thomas Meckier for Terroristic Threats, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose and Simple Assault. He was held on $17,500.00 bail set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Jessica Klein, age 27, from Acker Drive in Middletown, NJ, arrested on June 9, 2013 by Patrolman Ricardo Cruz on Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Trenton, Seaside Heights and Middletown Municipal Courts. He was released after posting $983.00 bail.

Alexis DeMatteo, age 18, from Oakes Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on June 10, 2013 by Patrolman Ian May for Disorderly Conduct. She was released pending a court date.

Charles Faler, age 30, from West Washington Avenue in Atlantic Highlands, NJ, arrested on June 11, 2013 by Patrolman Adam Colfer for Obstructing the Administration of Law. He was held on $2,500.00 bail with a 10% option set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Sandra Huambachano, age 43, from Highway US 1 South, Woodbridge, NJ, arrested on June 11, 2013 by Patrolman Charles Higgins on Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Weehawken, Keansburg and Old Bride Municipal Courts. She was released after posting $1,764.00 bail.

John Thomassen, age 35, from Dutch Valley Road in Howell, NJ, arrested on June 11, 2013 by Sergeant Sean Sweeney on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Holmdel Municipal Court. He was released after posting $205.00 bail.

Brittany Wolf, age 23, from Wall Street in Eatontown, NJ, arrested on June 11, 2013 by Patrolman Richard Fulham on a warrant issued by the Eatontown Police Department for Criminal Mischief. She was turned over to the Eatontown Police Department.

On June 11, 2013 Patrolman Raymond Sofied arrested a 16 year old male juvenile from Keansburg, NJ, a 15 year old male for Interference with Transportation, Disorderly Conduct and Defiant Trespass. He was released pending a court date.

On June 11, 2013 Patrolman Raymond Sofied arrested a 15 year old male juvenile from Keansburg, NJ,and a 16 year old male juvenile from Keansburg, NJ, for Interference with Transportation, Defiant Trespass, Disorderly Conduct and Obstructing the Administration of Law. Both subjects were released pending a court date.

Erica Wood, age 23, from Seventh Avenue in Atlantic Highlands, NJ, arrested on June 11, 2013 by Patrolman Felipe Benedit for Possession of Heroin, Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Burglary, Criminal Mischief and Obstructing the Administration of Law. She was held on $5,000.00 bail set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Amanda Carpenella, age 26, from Laurel Drive in Highlands, NJ, arrested on June 12, 2013 by Patrolman Nicholas Fenezia on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. She was held on $500.00 bail.

Joseph Terranova, age 41, from Hancock Court in Red Bank, NJ, arrested on June 12, 2013 by Patrolman Keith Hirschbein on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $1,000.00 bail.

Cecilia Terranova, age 69, from Hancock Court in Red Bank, NJ, arrested on June 12, 2013 by Patrolman Keith Hirschbein on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. She was released after posting $1,000.00 bail.

On June 12, 2013 Patrolman Keith Hirschbein arrested a 16 year old female juvenile form Keansburg, NJ, for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana. She was released pending a court date.

Mark Gorski, age 50, from Ravine Drive in Matawan, NJ, arrested on June 13, 2013 by Corporal Darrin Simon for Driving While Revoked when on revoked list for a Driving While Intoxicated Conviction. He was released after posting $7,500.00 bail set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Democratic Hall of Fame Dinner

This past Thursday night the Monmouth County Democrats held their inaugural Hall of Fame Dinner, where they inducted 6 longtime and distinguished members of the Monmouth County Democratic organization into its Hall of Fame. It was well attended by many prominent democrats from around the county and included a keynote address from a very special guest, former Governor James Florio.

Those honored during the induction ceremony where:

Feeholder John D'Amico (Oceanport)

Dorothy Davis (Red Bank)

Norma Rosenbloom (Shrewsbury)

 Mayor Michael Ryan (Lake Cuomo)

Robert Salman (Marlboro)

and

Chairman Victor V. Scudiery ( Middletown)

I snapped a few pictures from the evening to share with everyone, it was truly a great event! 

Governor Florio and HoF inductee John D'Amico 

Mayor Jon Hornichk, Governor Florio and Victor Scudeiry 

Governor James Florio

Mayor Mike Ryan

Members of the Monmouth County Woman's Cuacus

Middletown's Bill Stevenson and Harry Hanna

Michael Murphy and HoF inductee Mayor Michael Ryan

Charles Uliano and HoF inductee Chairman Victor Scudeiry

Mayor Jon Hornick and HoF inducteee Robert Salman

MCD's Vice Chair Mary Foster and HoF inductee Norma Rosebloom

Where's Barbara Buono?

New Brunswick, NJ – Below please find the public schedule for Democratic gubernatorial candidate and State Senator Barbara Buono for June 17.



UNION COUNTY

Linden Canvass

5:30 p.m.

700 McCandless Street
 Linden, NJ 07036


NJ TODAY WITH MIKE SCHNEIDER

Monday, June 17, at 6:00 p.m.

NJTV

A Bear for Punishment - Father's Day .

Priceless!

It's Father's Day

A few Father's Day quotes

“Any fool can be a Father, but it takes a real man to be a Daddy!”

- Philip Whitmore Snr

“The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.”

- Theodore Hesburgh, Catholic Priest and President Emeritus of the University of Notre Dame

“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.”

- Jim Valvano

“One night a father overheard his son pray: Dear God, Make me the kind of man my Daddy is. Later that night, the Father prayed, Dear God, Make me the kind of man my son wants me to be.”

- Unknown

“When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years.”

- Fathers Day Quote by: Mark Twain, “Old Times on the Mississippi” Atlantic Monthly, 1874

“A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty.”

- Unknown

Pallone Praises Mid Atlantic Fishery Management Council for Its Action to Create Greater Flexibility in How Mid Atlantic Fisheries Are Managed

Council Approved Omnibus Recreational Accountability Measure Amendment

Washington, DC – In a letter sent June, 14, 2013, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) applauded the Mid Atlantic Fishery Management Council for taking action that will create flexibility in how the recreational fishing industry in the Mid Atlantic is managed. The Council voted in June to approve the Omnibus Recreational Accountability Measure Amendment to its Fisheries Management Plan, and the measure now waits for final approval from the National Atmospheric and Oceanographic Administration (NOAA) before it can take into effect.

"As New Jersey, New York and other East Coast states work to rebuild and recover from Superstorm Sandy it is important that we continue to explore options for promoting economic vitality while conserving our coastal and marine resources," Pallone stated in the letter. "I applaud the Council for taking action that will create flexibility in how the recreational fishing industry in the Mid Atlantic is managed and ensure more reasonable outcomes."

As a member of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs, Congressman Pallone has called for reforms in federal law to help New Jersey’s recreational and commercial fishermen who can face restrictions in their catch limits based on insufficient data and poor science. Pallone has also introduced legislation to provide supplemental emergency aid to help the fishing industry recoup from Superstorm Sandy.

Full text on Pallone’s letter to the Mid Atlantic Fishery Management Council follows:

June 14, 2013

Mid Atlantic Fishery Management Council

Chairman

Rick Robins

800 North State St.

Dover, DE 19901

Mid Atlantic Fishery Management Council

Executive Director

Chris Moore

800 North State St.

Dover, DE 19901

Dear Chairman Robins and Mr. Moore:

I write to express my appreciation for the action taken by the Mid Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) in approving an Omnibus Recreational Accountability Measure Amendment during your council meeting this past week. I believe that the action taken by the Council will lead to more equitable fisheries management and will enhance the ability of the recreational fishing industry to be an economic driver for the region.

The amendment will allow the Council to evaluate alternatives to the accountability measures currently in place for species that are vital to the recreational sector. I have argued that accountability measures often taken too hard of a toll on fishermen by limiting access to the fishery without adequate timely and scientific justification. The Council is clearly being responsive to these concerns shared by fishermen and addressing them in a responsible way.

I have also proposed allowing for flexibility in management when a species is rebuilt and there is a lack of scientific information that makes accurate management problematic. Therefore, I am glad to see the Council take into account the status of a stock when evaluating payback measures that require a reduction in quota when an overage in harvest has occurred in the prior year.

As New Jersey, New York and other East Coast states work to rebuild and recover from Superstorm Sandy it is important that we continue to explore options for promoting economic vitality while conserving our coastal and marine resources. I applaud the Council for taking action that will create flexibility in how the recreational fishing industry in the Mid Atlantic is managed and ensure more reasonable outcomes.

As the Council submits the Omnibus Amendment to the National Atmospheric and Oceanographic Administration (NOAA) I intend to argue for its final approval. As a member of the Natural Resources Committee and the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife Oceans and Insular Affairs I believe it my responsibility to ensure that NOAA is responsive when the Council takes such appropriate steps.

I am also committed to continuing my efforts to reform the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson Act). I look forward to further evaluating the work of the Council and incorporating it into my work to see that the Magnuson Act reflects responsible conservation and fair management.

Thank you for your efforts and attention to my letter.

Sincerely,

FRANK PALLONE, JR.

Member of Congress

New Jersey Cannot Afford Absentee Governor

New Brunswick, NJ – Buono for Governor Campaign Chairwoman Bonnie Watson Coleman today issued the following statement:

“It’s clear that Governor Christie’s top priority is advancing his own political career, not improving the lives of working and middle class families. While the Governor was on The Jimmy Fallon Show slow-jamming the news, New Jerseyans have been slammed by his failed economic policies that have left 400,000 people out of work and caused property taxes to increase by 20 percent. His so-called “Jersey Comeback” was nothing more than empty rhetoric as too many New Jersey workers and families struggle everyday to make ends meet. New Jersey cannot afford to have an absentee Governor who will spend the next four years pandering to conservatives in the cornfields of Iowa instead of rebuilding our economy and creating good-paying jobs right here in New Jersey.”