1. Public Opinion: Painting It by Numbers

Given the dismal state of New Jersey’s fiscal condition, the numbers confronting Governor Christie as he prepares his first state budget can be disheartening.   But a different set of numbers – numbers from public opinion polls – may...

Tuesday, 09 March 2010 | Print | PDF |  E-mail

2. Did New Jersey Elect Governor McChristie?

Having been in the room eight years ago when the State House Press Corps staged a mini-revolt in reaction to the McGreevey Administration’s attempt to set a new set of ground rules for a press briefing on the state’s fiscal condition, I must admit I was mildly amused to learn that history seems to have repeated itself in the early days of the Christie Administration.

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 | Print | PDF |  E-mail

3. Bring Back Abe!

If any of you are in your 40s or so, you might remember the “Bring Back Bert” campaign initiated by talk-show host Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show.� The campaign basically was an attempt to bring back Bert Parks as host of the...

Tuesday, 09 February 2010 | Print | PDF |  E-mail

4. Legalizing Medicinal Marijuana Was A Mistake

Today's teenagers seem to be growing up faster than previous generations. Advances in technology have catapulted the use of cell phones and computers from once being solely used as business tools into everyday necessities that define a teen's world.

Thursday, 28 January 2010 | Print | PDF |  E-mail

5. NJ Goes to Washington Again -- But Why?

  For years, the question “Why can’t government run like a business?” was a popular refrain from those frustrated by bureaucracy and inefficiencies in the public sector.   But that was before the days of corporate bailouts.  ...

Tuesday, 26 January 2010 | Print | PDF |  E-mail

6. Livestream with John McCormac

Guest: John McCormac- Woodbridge Mayor, former New Jersey State Treasurer Topics: State and local fiscal issues, pension reform, Christie transition Date: Thursday Februrary 4, 2010 Time: 11 a.m Where:...

Tuesday, 26 January 2010 | Print | PDF |  E-mail

7. Has There Been Too Much Change in NJ?

When there are major public policy problems, such as those that have confronted our state and nation over the past 10 years, solutions are few and far between. Blame, however, always seems to be in abundance. Democrats blame Republicans;...

Thursday, 21 January 2010 | Print | PDF |  E-mail

8. Please Allow Me To Introduce Myself…

After taking the oath of office, the first official act for presidents, governors and other elected officials is to give a speech. Those speeches, which mark the beginning of a term in office, tend to be positive, upbeat...

Friday, 15 January 2010 | Print | PDF |  E-mail

9. State mandates and municipal burdens: Another challenge for Christie

In the wake of his election victory, veritably the first week, Governor-elect Chris Christie has been confronted at least twice by those interested in his take on the binding arbitration of labor disputes, particularly those regarding salaries for police and fire uniformed personnel.

Thursday, 14 January 2010 | Print | PDF |  E-mail

10. THE NEW JERSEY TRUMAN

John B. Wefing, The Life and Times of Richard J. Hughes: The Politics of Civility (New Brunswick: Rutgers University Press, 2009) Sometime ago, New Jerseyans were asked who was the greatest modern governor.� At that time, I argued that...

Thursday, 07 January 2010 | Print | PDF |  E-mail