Taylor & Graf
FOR ASSEMBLY
For Immediate Release Contact: Kim Taylor
November 1, 2009 609/658-3708
Werner Graf
609/820-4506
“THE TRUTH WILL SET US FREE”: TAYLOR & GRAF CALL OUT DEMOCRATIC INCUMBENTS FOR MISREPRESENTING ABYSMAL RECORDS ON TAXES
Trenton, NJ – In response to a gross misrepresentation of the incumbents’ records on taxes that appeared in Gusciora and Watson Coleman’s final pre-election ad, 15 district assembly candidates Kim Taylor (R-Lawrence) and Werner Graf (R-Hopewell) issued the following statement:
“In their final campaign ad, our opponents, assembly majority leader Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Ewing) and deputy majority leader Reed Gusciora (D-Princeton), claim to be ‘sticking up for us’ by reducing the property tax burden, but in reality their dismal records on taxes and fees show it’s more like they are “sticking us up” rather than “sticking up for us.”
Misrepresenting their records to try to lead voters to believe that Watson Coleman and Gusciora are part of the solution to New Jersey’s tax problem is wrong, unfair, and disrespectful to the voters of this district.
For most of the campaign, Ms. Watson Coleman has been focusing on convincing voters of the good she believes Governor Corzine has done while Mr. Gusciora has been focused on what he would do if re-elected appearing to hope that voters will think he is a challenger rather than an incumbent.
The voters need to be clear that Watson Coleman and Gusciora are not ‘… making progress on reducing the property tax burden …’ since the record shows that they consistently cast votes and serve as sponsors/co-sponsors of legislation that, in fact, increases the property tax burden whether through unfunded mandates on municipalities, additional taxes and fees, or increased state debt. Each of them over the course of the past few years alone has voted for over $8.5 billion dollars in new taxes and fees, and they both voted for the fiscal year 2010 budget which seriously reduced or eliminated property tax rebates for middle-class families.
Out of respect for the hardworking taxpayers of the entire 15 legislative district, we call on Assemblywoman Watson Coleman and Assemblyman Gusciora now to tell the whole truth about their records on property tax as the people they are sworn to serve until January 2010 deserve the respect of truth in advertising.”
For more information on the Taylor and Graf plan to restore prosperity to the 15 legislative district and across the state, visit www.taylorandgraf.net.
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RANDAZZO, GUERIERI & WOJTENKO
FOR FREEHOLDERS
Press Release
Contact: Cindy Randazzo 609-333-2169
Shirley Guerieri 609-575-3397
Russell Wojtenko, Jr. 732-882-5615
For Immediate Release
October 28,2009
When he ran in 1992, Bill Clinton proclaimed, “It’s the economy, stupid!”
But in 2009, Republican Freeholder Candidates Cindy Randazzo, Shirley Guerieri and Russ Wojtenko, Jr., proclaimed, “It’s our property taxes, stupid!”
The trio stated, “While property taxes continue to skyrocket, none of New Jersey’s incumbent Democrats want to talk about property taxes. Especially incumbent tax and spend Freeholders Ann Cannon, Pat Colavita, and Dan Benson. That’s not surprising considering their abysmal record on property taxes.”
“Since the Democrats seized total control of County Government, they have done nothing but tax and spend,” stated Russell Wojtenko, Jr. “According to official county tax assessor reports, Mercer’s taxes and fees have increased 160% in the last 10 years, from approximately $110 million in 1998 to $287 million in 2009. The Tax Foundation has reported that Mercer County now has the 16 highest average property tax bill in the NATION!” Wojtenko added.
Wojtenko stated, “This year alone, the incumbent Freeholder board approved the largest budget in Mercer County history, $301 million, with a property tax increase. And they have promised another property increase next year. Yet they still can’t balance the budget. The County is now facing a $43 million budget deficit.”
Cindy Randazzo stated, “I was shocked when Freeholder Ann Cannon stated at our October 26 debate, that when she initially ran for Freeholder, over 15 years ago, she ran on a platform to freeze property taxes. How can you promise voters to freeze property taxes before you’re elected, and then proceed to significantly increase taxes and fees year after year once you’re a Freeholder?”
Randazzo added, “Today, incumbent Freeholder Cannon continues to mislead and deceive the taxpayers of Mercer County. She claims that Mercer County’s property tax rate is actually less today than it was prior to Democrat County Executive Brian Hughes’ election in 2003. However, our county property tax bills are determined by the County’s tax rate AND the property’s assessed value. While the county tax rate may have decreased marginally, the majority of towns in Mercer County drastically increased assessed property values during the housing bubble, when housing prices were at an all time high and grossly inflated. ”
Randazzo went on to say, “Don’t be deceived! Overall County tax levies have not gone down since the Democrats secured their monopoly on County government. They have gone up, up and up!”
“Do you honestly believe Mercer County is better off with one party rule? Over the last six years, the Democrats on the Freeholder board have rubber stamped larger and larger budgets proposed by the Democratic County Executive. After just six years of their monopoly on Mercer County, the Democrats have increased spending by 44.5%, from $208.2 million in 2003 to $301 million in 2009,” stated Shirley Guerieri.
Guerieri added, “One party domination has never served taxpayers well. Not at the federal level, at the state level or at the county level.”
The trio concluded, “What do you expect when tax and spend liberals monopolize Mercer County’s government? The citizens of Mercer County need Freeholders who truly believe in limited government and fiscal responsibility. Our County needs leaders who will finally stand up and ask the hard questions, raise the right issues and make sure that the taxpayers are protected. Mercer County needs Cindy Randazzo, Shirley Guerieri and Russ Wojtenko, Jr.”
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To learn more about Ms. Randazzo, Ms. Guerieri and Mr. Wojtenko, and their plans for a better Mercer County, please visit their website www.aBETTERMercer.com.
Paid for by Friends of Randazzo, Guerieri & Wojtenko
P.O. Box 4503, Trenton, NJ 08611
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KIM TAYLOR
CANDIDATE FOR STATE ASSEMBLY, 15 LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT
P.O. Box 6313
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
For Immediate Release Contact: Kim Taylor
October 15, 2009 609/658-3708
TOO FAT FOR CORZINE:
ASSEMBLY CANDIDATE KIM TAYLOR SPEAKS OUT AGAINST ANTI-FAT BIGOTRY
Trenton, NJ – In response to ongoing bigotry against fat New Jerseyans and reports that State Democratic Chairman Joe Cryan asked Corzine supporters in Essex County to imagine "... what it would be like to have a 350 lb. governor" and ordered the Essex troops to deliver Jon Corzine's victory in order to prevent having an overweight governor, 15 district assembly candidate Kim Taylor (R-Lawrence) issued the following statement:
“Corzine’s and Cryan’s focus on Chris Christie’s body weight isn't just a campaign strategy against Christie; it is a clear articulation of their shared disregard for overweight New Jerseyans.
Camp Corzine is saying that overweight/fat citizens have no place in government service. The ongoing and almost obsessive references by Democratic operatives to Christie’s weight have gone too far and must be stopped.
Tens of thousands of people struggle daily with their body weight, and many at great personal price confront eating disorders in an effort to maintain the perfectly underweight body. Yet my Democratic opponents, longtime incumbents Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Ewing) and Reed Gusciora (D-Princeton), have been silent on Camp Corzine’s and the New Jersey Democratic State Party’s anti-fat campaign.
It's time for New Jerseyans of all parties and all body shapes and sizes to speak out and tell Governor Corzine and the Democratic State Committee that they will not tolerate the verbal abuse of overweight New Jerseyans and the perpetuation of the dangerous myth that body size has anything to do with intelligence, capacity to lead, or a person’s worth.
New Jersey has a strong law against bullying. If Cryan’s remarks were made by a child on the school playground, New Jersey’s antibullying law would require swift and definitive action to stop the bullying, but once again, Camp Corzine and the Democratic leadership are showing that they are above the law.
With the national epidemic of eating disorders and other body image issues that women and girls in particular face across the country and in this state, this anti-fat campaign must stop, and the focus must return to the crisis of inaffordability and real life issues that continue to face New Jerseyans today. If New Jerseyans of all sizes don't stand up against this blatant bigotry and somehow Corzine happens to win, I wouldn’t be surprised if overweight state employees would be first on Corzine's layoff list.”
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KIM TAYLOR
CANDIDATE FOR STATE ASSEMBLY, 15 LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT
P.O. Box 6313
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
For Immediate Release Contact: Kim Taylor
September 18, 2009 609/658-3708
ASSEMBLY CANDIDATE KIM TAYLOR QUESTIONS
WATSON COLEMAN
ON CLAIM OF STANDING FOR CHILDREN IN FACE OF UNEMPLOYMENT
Trenton, NJ – In response to self-congratulatory statements made earlier this week by Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Ewing) about the increased number of New Jersey children now covered by health insurance, assembly candidate Kim Taylor (R-Lawrence) issued the following statement:
“Earlier this week Assemblywoman Watson Coleman applauded the Corzine administration and congratulated herself for the increased number of New Jersey children now covered by health insurance.
Children’s health and access to quality affordable healthcare are issues of paramount concern to me, and the absence of access to healthcare greatly affects a notable segment of the population here in our district.
With the unemployment rate now increased to 9.7%, families continue to suffer the failed leadership of Governor Corzine and Bonnie Watson Coleman and Reed Gusciora.
This week over 30,000 unemployed New Jerseyans will lose their unemployment benefits, a significant portion of whom have children. So I ask, What about the children? Who’s standing for them? It’s time to set a new direction, put unemployed New Jerseyans back to work, and ensure an appropriate quality of life for all children.”
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RANDAZZO, GUERIERI & WOJTENKO
FOR FREEHOLDERS
Press Release
Contact: Cindy Randazzo 609-333-2169
Shirley Guerieri 609-575-3397
Russell Wojtenko, Jr. 732-882-5615
GOP FREEHOLDER CANDIDATES OPEN
TIP LINE (609) 570-9431
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hamilton - September 11, 2009
GOP Freeholder candidates Cindy Randazzo, Shirley Guerieri and Russ Wojtenko, Jr. announce the creation of a tip line for the residents of Mercer County. Residents can report government abuse to (609)570-9431 or by email to abettermercer@yahoo.com. Citizens can make anonymous reports. All reports will be investigated and passed on to the appropriate authorities.
Wojtenko stated, "Mercer County residents care about what their elected officials are doing with public funds. Our residents also deserve absolute transparency from the government and elected officials. By opening this tip line, we are providing a way for people to be heard and for their concerns to be investigated."
The tip line is a result of the many calls that were received by the GOP challenger campaign after the pair requested an investigation of printing contracts granted by the county. Randazzo requested the investigation of the contracts and various donations made by Royal Printing to the Mercer Democratic Committee and Freeholder John Cimino. Royal Printing also apparently wheeled money into Mercer County and various democrat elected officials including County Executive Brian Hughes through the scandal ridden New Frontier PAC which has been linked to recently indicted Hoboken Mayor Peter Cammanaro.
Randazzo stated, "We are happy to be able to provide the people of Mercer County with a place to air their concerns and report their grievances. As candidates and future elected officials, we will provide true accountability to the citizens of Mercer County. Working together we can make a better Mercer for all of us."
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Successful Businessmen Calabro & Harvey Unveil Common Sense Plan to Fix New Jersey
GOP challengers seek to make the state more affordable for working families by holding state government more accountable
For Immediate Release Contact: Rick Rosenberg
732-947-9273
Hamilton, September 9, 2009 – Saying that the hardworking residents of New Jersey deserve a state that is more affordable and a state government that is more accountable, successful businessmen Rob Calabro and Bill Harvey today unveiled their “Common Sense Plan to Fix New Jersey.”
Calabro and Harvey, GOP challengers in the 14 Legislative District covering parts of Mercer and Middlesex Counties, chastised their incumbent opponents and Governor Jon Corzine for the mass exodus of jobs and residents from New Jersey due to out-of-control property taxes and one of the nation’s worst climates for business.
“We pay the highest property taxes in the nation and are saddled with the worst unemployment in the region,” said Calabro, hammering away at this campaigns’ theme that the incumbent party in Trenton has failed the hardworking people of the State. “We need to make significant changes to how state government operates and we need to make those changes right now. The current regime in Trenton has had their chance and they have failed miserably.”
“Affordability and accountability are the hallmarks of our campaign message,” said Harvey. “Our plan will make New Jersey more affordable for working families and seniors on a fixed income, and it will demand real accountability from state government and the people who run it.”
The Calabro-Harvey Common Sense Plan to Fix New Jersey will:
1. Create Good-Paying Jobs and Kick-Start the Economy.
“We must provide tax incentives and streamline regulations so businesses settle here in New Jersey, not across the river in Pennsylvania or Delaware,” said Calabro, owners of Porfirio’s Italian Food Market in Hamilton.
2. Cap State Spending Growth to the Rate of Inflation.
“Government must learn to live within its means just like New Jersey families do. We cannot continue to spend money we don’t have and then raise taxes to make up the difference,” said Harvey. “It’s simply not sustainable.”
3. Require Two-Thirds Legislative Supermajority Vote to Increase Taxes.
“We need to make it harder for politicians to raise taxes,” said Calabro. “By requiring a legislative supermajority to pass a tax increase, only taxes with broad public support will be approved.”
4. Mandate Direct Voter Approval for All New State Debt.
“Today’s debt is tomorrow’s tax increase,” said Harvey. “Giving the people a voice on all new debt will stop credit card government in New Jersey.”
5. Empower People by Permitting Initiative and Referendum.
“I would rather place my trust in the people of this State than the politicians in Trenton,” said Calabro. “I & R would allow the public to place reforms on the ballot when Trenton politicians fail to act. It is truly government of the people and by the people. Something that is sorely lacking in Trenton today.”
6. Provide for a Directly Elected a State Auditor.
“An elected State Auditor directly accountable to the voters could serve as a check and balance on members of both political parties,” said Harvey. “The current system that allows the party in power to appoint a so-called taxpayer watchdog is a failed experiment.”
7. Balance the State Budget with Recurring Revenues Only.
“In households across New Jersey citizens balance their own checkbooks by ensuring they don’t spend more than they take in,” said Calabro. “Why should politicians in Trenton get to play by a different set of rules than the people they are elected to represent?”
8. Stop the Low-Income COAH Housing Unfunded Mandate.
“Governor Corzine’s plan to force feed more than 100,000 low-income housing units to suburban communities throughout New Jersey is an outrage,” said Harvey. “Not only will it destroy our quality of life, but it will saddle already overburdened property taxpayers with another unfunded mandate courtesy of Trenton. This COAH nightmare will cost billions and, sadly, property taxpayers will be stuck with the bill.”
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RANDAZZO, D'ANGELO & WOJTENKO
FOR FREEHOLDERS
Press Release
Contact: Cindy Randazzo 609-430-3029
Russell Wojtenko, Jr. 732-881-5615
Joe Truch, Vice Chairman Mercer GOP (609) 635-2122
For Immediate Release
Hamilton - August 28, 2009
GOP FREEHOLDER CANDIDATES REQUEST INVESTIGATION
GOP Freeholder candidate Cindy Randazzo asked Mercer County Prosecutor Joe Bochinni, Attorney General Anne Milgram, and the United States Attorney to investigate the no bid contracts Mercer County awarded to Royal Printing Company in light of potential violations of Mercer County’s pay to play ordinance.
Royal Printing is “one of the largest contributors” to the scandal-ridden New Frontier PAC and the Mercer County Democratic Committee. The New Frontier PAC is responsible for wheeling thousands of dollars to the Mercer County Democratic Committee, County Executive Brian Hughes and Freeholder John Cimino.
On June 22, 2006, the Mercer County Board of Chosen Freeholders gave Royal Printing a contract not to exceed $200,000 for printing. On May 10, 2007, the Mercer County Freeholders voted to increase the amount of the original 2006 contract by $18,707. In ELEC records filed on September 27, 2007, Royal Printing reported to the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission that they received contracts totaling $220,889.50 from Mercer County in 2006. To date, no further contract increases have been reported on Mercer County Freeholders’ Agendas.
Randazzo stated, “This slap dash accounting by our all democrat county government is the reason that we find ourselves in the financial straits that we do today.”
In 2007, Royal Printing reported receiving $258,525.12 for contracts with Mercer County to the Election Law Enforcement Commission. Royal Printing gave $4,000 to the New Frontier PAC on April 23, 2007and also made a direct contribution on September 18, 2007 of $300.00 to the Mercer County Democratic Committee.
Wojtenko added, “This direct contribution to the County Democratic Committee is exactly $100 below the threshold that triggers the much touted pay to play ordinance. This cannot be a coincidence.”
Also on May 1, 2007, Royal Printing gave $2500 to the New Frontier PAC. On May 5, 2007, New Frontier wheeled $2500 to County Executive Brian Hughes, just days before the May 10, 2007 contract extension was granted by the all Democrat Board of Chosen Freeholders.
“The timing of these contributions cannot be ignored. This is a matter that should be investigated immediately for the protection of the taxpayers of Mercer County,” stated Randazzo.
On May 8, 2008, the Mercer County Board of Freeholder’s Agenda reflects the authorization of payment to Royal Printing in an amount not to exceed $200,000 for the period of December 1, 2007 until May 1, 2008. To date, no contract increases of this award is reflected on the Mercer County Freeholder’s Agenda.
On August 14, 2008, Royal Printing was awarded a contract with no specified dollar amount for a two year period until August 31, 2011.
On January 22, 2009, Royal Printing reported contracts for 2008 with Mercer County to the Election Law Enforcement Commission in the amount of $449, 704.88. That same year, Royal Printing gave $2000 to the New Frontier, PAC on February 11, 2008. On May 21, 2008 two weeks after the May 8, 2008 contract increase, the New Frontier PAC gave $300 directly to Freeholder John Cimino.
“There are just too many coincidences and events happening in close proximity to be ignored. Mercer County taxpayers are the victims of either slip shod accounting or the abuse of the public trust by these people and entities,” added Wojtenko.
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KIM TAYLOR
CANDIDATE FOR STATE ASSEMBLY, 15 LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT
P.O. Box 6313
Lawrenceville, NJ08648
For Immediate Release Contact: Kim Taylor
August 22, 2009 609/658-3708
ASSEMBLY CANDIDATE KIM TAYOR QUESTIONS STATE’S USE OF PUBLIC RESOURCES TO RESOLVE CONTRACT DISPUTE BETWEEN HORIZON AND CAPITAL HEALTH SYSTEMS
Lawrence Township, NJ – Responding to the State’s involvement in the attempted resolution of the contract dispute between Horizon and Capital Health, 15District assembly candidate Kim Taylor (R-Lawrence) issued the following statement:
“While I am concerned for the well-being and health of the 3,500 local residents covered by Horizon and treated by Capital Health who are impacted by the de-designation of the Fuld Campus as an in-network provider, I am also very concerned by the State’s involvement in the attempted resolution of a contract dispute between two private businesses and the use of public resources for private business interests.
Why is the State interfering in the business of the private sector? Why is the State using taxpayer resources to resolve this particular dispute? Are these same services readily available to all companies in contract disputes with other businesses? Are these ‘conflict resolution services’ available to private taxpaying citizens? Even if Capital Health and Horizon were to reimburse the State ‘for services rendered,’ there is still a problem because it appears that the State including Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Ewing) and Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D-Princeton), both of whom support the State’s involvement in resolving this matter, has a vested interest in the outcome.
What is the agenda here? Where were Watson Coleman and Gusciora on the recent increases in health insurance premiums for state worker benefits? Are they really concerned now or are they just grandstanding? While it would in my view be tragic for residents insured by Horizon to lose access to in-network coverage at Capital Health-Fuld, it is not the place of the State to force private parties to the table to forge an agreement between them. The State can’t effectively manage its own financial affairs, why would anyone trust the State to correctly resolve a private business conflict such as this one? For the sake of the residents most directly affected by the impasse, I encourage Horizon and Capital Health to continue their own efforts to reach an appropriate solution, one that preserves the principles of quality health care and responsive health services. The residents insured by Horizon and treated by Capital Health-Fuld professionals deserve to have the focus zoom in on what matters most to them - access to quality healthcare at costs they can reasonably afford - while the taxpayers of New Jersey deserve to see an end to the use of public resources for selected private interests.”
For more information on the Taylor and Graf plan to restore prosperity to the 15 legislative district and across the state, visit www.taylorandgraf.net
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WERNER GRAF FOR ASSEMBLY, 15 LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT
Hopewell, NJ 08525
Contact :Werner Graf
609-820-4506
GRAF OPPOSES FORCED CONSOLIDATION; CHALLENGES ASSEMBLY TO PASS DEBT-FREE BUDGETS OR LOSE THEIR SALARIES
Immediate Release
August 19, 2009
Hopewell, NJ, - Speaking to over 80 people at a rally here today, District State Assembly candidate Werner Graf (R-Hopewell) called on his Democratic opponent, Reed Guscoria, to abandon his effort to forceably merge "doughnut-hole" municipalities, such as Pennington, Hopewell, and Princeton Boroughs, into their surrounding townships. He challenged Mr. Guscoria and Ms. Bonnie Watson Coleman to instead commit to an "absolute moratorium" on unfunded mandates such as the Counsel for Affordable Housing, which recently imposed unforeseen tax burdens on local municipalities.
Citing the State's own inability to hold down taxes and operate within its means, Mr. Graf also announced sponsorship of legislation to eliminate all pay for the elected Assemblymen when they fail to pass debt-free operation budgets. He committed to his constituants that even if such legislation wasn't enacted, he would donate his entire Assembly salary to the HopewellValleySchool District if the Assembly failed to do so while he was in office.
"It's time for career politicians to go home" stated Graf who is running for public office for the first time. "Our opponents have each been in the Assembly for over 10 years. They have voted for over $8.5B in new fees and taxes. Now they want to dictate to well-run local commmunities how to operate? Merging local municipalities should be up to the people in those municipalities, not Reed or anyone else."
"Not only has the State been effectively bankrupted under Ms. Watson-Coleman and Mr. Guscoria, they have continuously worked to erode local cost control by imposing unfunded mandates. So when people now rightly complain about the cost of government, their answer is to erode local control even further. Rather, they should look in the mirror and stop spending more money than they take in."
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RANDAZZO, D'ANGELO & WOJTENKO
FOR FREEHOLDERS
Press Release
Contact: Cindy Randazzo
Joe D’Angelo
Russ Wojtenko, Jr.
609-570-9430
For Immediate Release
Hamilton - August 12, 2009
GOP FREEHOLDER CANDIDATES QUESTION
OPPONENTS ABILITY
The recent Trenton Times article "Official rips Hamilton nonprofit", should raise the eyebrows of Mercer County voters, Mercer County Freeholder John Cimino is a member of the Allies, Inc Business Advisory Board and Freeholder Ann Cannon collects a paycheck as the PR Coordinator.
Allies Inc, was the only firm whose spending was highlighted in a recent report by State Comptroller A. Matthew Boxer. The report revealed a runaway train of spending with over $111,851 spent on two cruises and a whopping $2700 tab at an Atlantic City casino watering hole. The Allies, Inc Board and employees reportedly "spent like hedge fund high rollers."
Cindy Randazzo stated, "The irresponsible management of public funds by the Allies Board and employees is just shameful. To irresponsibly waste monies that are dedicated for the benefit of the disabled is unforgivable. How many disabled clients could have benefited from the funds wasted on cruises and casinos. "
Joe D'Angelo added, "If the wasteful spending by John Cimino and Ann Cannon at Allies, Inc even comes close to the level of fiscal management that they use as Freeholders the financial picture in Mercer County is worse than we could have imagined."
Russell Wojtenko, Jr. stated "The all Democrat Mercer County Board of Chosen Freeholders time and time again has refused to accept responsibility for their lack of sound fiscal judgment. I hope that their fellow Freeholders demand accountability from Ann Cannon and John Cimino but I am sure that this will be swept under the same rug as years of financial missteps at the County."
The GOP group concluded, "The most important responsibility of elected officials is the proper stewardship of public funds. Ann Cannon and John Cimino have shown how ill equipped they are to assume this responsibility and the silence of their fellow Freeholders speaks volumes. It is ironic that party boss Rich McClellan touts his candidate's ethical values in the pages of the Times the very same day that this story breaks but like the officials that he speaks for he shares this silence. Hopefully he will remain silent and let Ann Cannon and John Cimino answer for themselves. Mercer County voters deserve Freeholders who are responsible and will bring accountability back to County government. It is time to put the brakes on the runaway train. As candidates and as future elected officials we wholly condemn the actions of John Cimino Ann Cannon and company at Allies, Inc."
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RANDAZZO, D'ANGELO & WOJTENKO
FOR FREEHOLDERS
Press Release
Contact: Cindy Randazzo
Joe D’Angelo
Russ Wojtenko, Jr.
609-570-9430
For Immediate Release
Hamilton - July 23, 2009
GOP FREEHOLDER CANDIDATES DEMAND ELECTED OFFICIALS TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR LAYOFFS
Mercer GOP Freeholder candidates Cindy Randazzo, Joe D’Angelo and Russ Wojtenko, Jr. called on Mercer County’s elected officials to accept responsibility for depriving 77 Mercer families of their livelihoods.
“This year the all democrat Mercer County Board of Chosen Freeholders passed the largest budget in the history of the county. They raised taxes for all of Mercer’s families during the worst economic crisis in recent history. Depriving more families of their sole means of support should be the last resort. These hardworking employees are not to blame for Mercer County’s financial woes- almost six years of saying yes to each and every spending whim of the County Executive is,” stated Randazzo.
“Currently there are over 60 employees earning over $100,000 per year in Mercer County, most of who are political appointees. Not one political patronage hire is targeted for layoff. Not one member of the County Executive or Freeholder’s direct staff is threatened with losing their livelihood. The Freeholders and County Executive have increased their staffs 20% since taking complete control of County government in 2004. Yet they refuse to cut a single patronage position. Did the Freeholders cut any of the full time employees that are there to support their part time positions? No, in fact they have increased their staff salaries by up to 35%. Did Brian Hughes cut one of his two spokespeople? Did he take his advice and cut the Chief of Staff? No, in fact his Chief of Staff is the highest paid in the history of Mercer. ” added D’Angelo
“Obviously, it makes sense to try to stop years of out of control spending by cutting costs. Unfortunately, all our elected leaders have succeeded in doing is shifting the burden from the County payroll to the State’s unemployment fund. The elected Freeholders in Mercer continue to dodge responsibility by allowing others to answer for their mismanagement,” added Wojtenko, Jr.
“This fall Mercer voters can use their voting power to remove the people responsible for Mercer’s $43 million deficit by putting them out of office. Voters can bring accountability back to county government and make a better Mercer for all of us,” the group concluded.
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RANDAZZO, D'ANGELO & WOJTENKO
FOR FREEHOLDERS
Press Release
Contact: Cindy Randazzo 609-333-2169
Joe D’Angelo 609-651-6777
Russell Wojtenko, Jr. 732-882-5615
For Immediate Release
Hamilton - July 17, 2009
GOP Freeholder candidates Cindy Randazzo, Joe D'Angelo and Russ Wojtenko, Jr. expressed their concern for the numerous county employees who recieved layoff notices.
"It is horrible that our elected officials have allowed Mercer's finances to disintegrate to the point where long time public servants were sent lay off notices today. At the height of what should be a fun summer many families are now faced with the uncertainty that comes with being jobless. Our hearts go out to the employees and their families," stated Wojtenko.
Randazzo added, "I can only imagine the devastation that these hardworking public servants are facing. They literally have had the rug pulled out from under them at the worst time. These employees are now left with a little over a month to plan for supporting their families in the middle of an economic meltdown."
D'Angelo stated, "I am concerned that these drastic measures were taken. Facing unemployment right now is incomprehensible and it is especially egregious that dedicated lifetime employees are being laid off because the elected leaders of Mercer County failed to properly manage our finances."
"Unfortunately, these employees are having to suffer because of the abysmal state of Mercer's financial affairs. We hope that the Freeholders and County Executive recognize the gravity of their decisions and accept responsibility for them. Depriving anyone of their livelihood should be the very last step taken, " added Wojtenko. "
"In he upcoming weeks we will continue to advise the public of our ideas and solutions for a better Mercer County but for now the affected employees and their families are at the top of our hearts and minds," concluded the GOP candidates.
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Taylor & Graf
FOR ASSEMBLY
For Immediate Release Contact: Kim Taylor
July 15, 2009 609/658-3708
Werner Graf
609/820-4506
TAYLOR AND GRAF COMMIT TO TAXPAYER PROTECTION PLEDGE
Trenton, NJ – 15District legislative candidates Kim Taylor (R-Lawrence) and Werner Graf (R-Hopewell) today accepted the invitation of Americans for Tax Reform to sign the Taxpayer Protection Pledge. By signing the pledge, both Taylor and Graf commit themselves to “oppose and vote against any and all efforts to increase taxes.” Upon signing the pledge, Taylor and Graf issued the following joint statement:
“One of the legislature’s most fundamental responsibilities is to administer the state’s tax revenues through the annual budget process. Since 2002 when the Democrats became the majority in the New Jersey State Assembly, Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Ewing) and Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D-Princeton) have both voted for over $8.5 billion in additional taxes and fees. Watson Coleman and Gusciora have voted for things such as payroll tax increases at a cost of $400 million, income tax rate increases at a cost of $903 million, and sales tax increases at a cost of $1.2 billion to New Jersey taxpayers. This list of new taxes goes on as do the fee increases which they have supported. In addition, at this time of national economic crisis, the current state budget, for which both Watson Coleman and Gusciora voted, contains seven new taxes with a price tag of over $1 billion and almost $5 billion in ‘one-shot’ revenue gimmicks.
There are alternatives to the current taxation scheme. The Taxpayer Protection Pledge allows signers to take an active role in tax reform by requiring that any new tax be offset by at least an equal cut. Imagine if Watson Coleman and Gusciora had committed to the Taxpayer Protection Pledge and instead of raising taxes and fees $8.5 billion had worked to cut taxes and spending by $8.5 billion.
On Independence Day people across this country joined in celebrating the founding of this great nation which put an end to taxation without representation. For residents of the 15 legislative district, for the people of Ewing, Hopewell, Lawrence, Pennington, Princeton, and Trenton, however, it’s becoming clear that when it comes to taxes the incumbents – Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman and Deputy Majority Leader Reed Gusciora – are representing someone’s interests but not the interests of 15 district taxpayers.”
By signing the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, Taylor and Graf join 172 members of the U.S. House of Representatives, 34 U.S. Senators, and over 1100 state legislators across the country including 8 members of the New Jersey Senate and 20 members of the New Jersey State Assembly who have made this commitment to the people they are sworn to serve. For more information on the pledge and to access the list of New Jersey legislators who have signed it, visit http://www.atr.org .
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RANDAZZO, D'ANGELO & WOJTENKO
FOR FREEHOLDERS
Press Release
Contact: Cindy Randazzo
Joe D’Angelo
Russ Wojtenko, Jr.
609-570-9430
GOP FREEHOLDER CANDIDATES URGE COUNTY TO RETURN TO TRADITIONAL AMERICAN VALUES
For Immediate Release
Hamilton - June 29, 2009
This Fourth of July, GOP Freeholder candidates Cindy Randazzo, Joe D'Angelo and Russell Wojtenko, Jr pledge to return Mercer County to the basic principles that the United States of America was founded on.
"In 1776, American patriots created a government based on debate and checks and balances. Currently, in MercerCounty we do not enjoy the debate that was envisioned by our founding fathers. Our County government controlled by one party has been on a six year unfettered spending spree. This year we are reaping the fruits of a lack of accountability, tax increases and increased spending. The freedoms that we enjoy as citizens of the greatest nation are based in open debate. Our current County government functions without debate, resolutions are passed in block and a dissenting voice is seldom if ever heard on any matter of importance. Our Freeholders control the purse strings yet yes vote after yes vote is given to the CountyExecutive. This year those yes votes culminated in a $16 million dollar increase in spending," stated Russell Wojtenko, Jr.
"The current Freeholders congratulate themselves on cutting $2 million dollars, less than 1%, from a $300 million budget. The budget actually increases spending by $16 million. This increase in spending was touted by the Freeholder President as the largest decrease he has seen in almost forty years. MercerCounty residents deserve a government that follows the basic principles on which our Country was founded. With intelligent debate, our citizens will only be better served by their government. We truly deserve a government for the people and by the people not for any one party or by any one party," stated Cindy Randazzo.
Joe D'Angelo added, "Six years of one party control is too many. The Fourth of July is a time for celebrating our nation. While we enjoy the parades, picnics and fireworks, I hope that Mercer's residents are reminded of the building blocks that make an effective government. Most importantly, open discussion and debate are required to ensure the best representation for the people. As candidates my running mates and I have suggested several cost saving measures as Freeholders we would be better suited to cut spending and control costs at the county level."
The GOP candidates will be walking in the EwingTownship 4th of July Parade providing information to voters on bringing real debate and accountability to MercerCounty government. Residents who want to learn more about what their Freeholders do and what the GOP candidates can do better for them are invited to visit
www.abettermercer.com.
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RANDAZZO, D'ANGELO & WOJTENKO
FOR FREEHOLDERS
Press Release
Contact: Cindy Randazzo
Joe D’Angelo
Russ Wojtenko, Jr.
609-570-9430
For Immediate Release
Hamilton -- June 24, 2009
GOP CANDIDATES BLAST COUNTY FOR FRIVOLOUS FESTIVAL
Cindy Randazzo, Joe D’Angelo and Russell Wojtenko, Jr. criticized the all Democrat County government for funding a redundant festival at tax payer expense.
“This weekend’s freedom festival is an expense that Mercer County’s taxpayers cannot afford. In a year when our elected officials are threatening layoffs and furloughs to our hardworking public employees and are further saddling our already overburdened taxpayers with a significant increase in their county tax bill, this extravaganza is a perk that we cannot afford”, stated Joe D’Angelo.
“Most Mercer municipalities already have firework events to celebrate the Fourth of July. Mercer County leaders should learn from the example of the Hamilton Mayor and Council and seek private donors to cover the costs of this event. Hamilton’s leaders were able to fund a fantastic festival that is enjoyed by all. They were able to raise close to $140,000 from private donors at no cost to the taxpayers. It is irresponsible to spend our tax dollars on a duplicative event. Instead of fiddling while Rome burns, we need leaders who are fighting to cut costs,” stated Russell Wojtenko, Jr.
“In 2008, the gross cost to County taxpayers for the Freedom Fest was $48,485. Trenton’s leaders recognize that Jazz Fest is an expense that they cannot afford at this time. The County elected officials should follow their lead and aggressively seek outside sponsors like Hamilton for the event to continue. In these tough economic times, that money could be better spent on job training, literacy programs and gang prevention programs. When there are private donors who could and would fund this type of event, our elected officials should focus on cost cutting and governmental programs that help. To argue that PST’s advertising is a savings to the County taxpayers is ludicrous. Our taxpayers are too smart to believe that political bunk. If the County Executive and his fellow Democrats want to have an event to promote themselves then they should pay for it themselves,” stated Cindy Randazzo.
The GOP candidates pledge to be vigilant when spending tax dollars and are willing to cut costs. Tax dollars should not be used for frivolous duplicative parties to promote the incumbents. Tax dollars should be used to provide essential services, fix roads and bridges and protect our citizens.
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Taylor & Graf
FOR ASSEMBLY
For Immediate Release Contact: Kim Taylor
April 22, 2009 609/658-3708
Werner Graf
609/820-4506
TAYLOR AND GRAF TAKE A STAND AGAINST UNDERFUNDING PUBLIC EDUCATION IN THE 15 LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT
Trenton, NJ – 15 District State Assembly candidates Kim Taylor (R-Lawrence) and Werner Graf (R-Hopewell) today responded to the April 14, 2009 report by the Education Law Center which reveals that the new school aid formula established by the School Funding Reform Act of 2008 will underfund state aid to school districts by over $300 million in the Governor’s proposed Fiscal Year 2009-2010 budget.
“According to the Education Law Center’s analysis of the impact of the State’s newly proposed school funding formula, Ewing Township will lose $1,493,522 in state aid for FY 2010, a loss of $395 per pupil in a district where 29% of students receive free or reduced lunch,” Taylor noted. “I am having difficulty understanding how the Assembly majority would even consider such a possible action, especially since Ewing is the hometown of the Majority Leader, Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman. Just over a year ago, Assemblywoman Watson Coleman introduced a bill (A-375) raising the compulsory school attendance age from 16 to 18. My question today is, what is the intent of keeping young people in school if the State is taking away the resources needed to ensure an efficient and effective education? Education is fundamental to future success, and it is the constitutional obligation of the State. The state budget should not be balanced on the backs of our district’s children and their futures.”
With Hopewell Valley Regional School District poised to lose $80,543 for FY 2010 under the Governor’s proposed budget, Werner Graf stated, "Once again, Governor Corzine and the Democratically-controlled legislature continue to ignore the hard issues of reform needed to fund our local school systems fairly. Corzine’s 5% cap on spending increases is another temporary stop-gap measure which doesn't address the systemic fault lines in the system. The same problem will still exist next year. As a former school board member, I've seen first hand how the State has eroded local control by imposing unfunded mandates, requiring state arbitrators in negotiation, and placing a disproportionate funding burden on communities while not ensuring results for those children truly in need. These are the issues which truly underpin our debilitating local property taxes, the majority of which are driven by school funding needs. Fixing the system will take courage, and right now courage is even in shorter supply in Trenton than money is.”
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CALABRO
& HARVEY
FOR ASSEMBLY
For Immediate Release Contact: Bill Harvey
April 15, 2009 609-843-0505
GREENSTEIN & DeANGELO:
“F” IN EDUCATION FUNDING
- Hamilton to Lose Over $8 Million in Corzine Budget & Over $14 Million District wide -
- Calabro & Harvey Call on Dem Assembly Members to Vote Against Corzine Budget -
Hamilton, NJ – 14 District Assembly candidates and business owners Rob Calabro and William Harvey today expressed outrage over today’s report from the New Jersey Education Law Center that shows Governor Corzine’s proposed Fiscal Year 2010 budget will underfund the State’s new school aid formula by $303 million in the second year of the formula’s existence.
“Our district’s Assembly members have been asleep at the wheel when it comes to funding our children’s education,” said Hamilton business owner and Assembly candidate Rob Calabro. “I don’t see how they can possibly support the Governor’s budget at this point. They should join Bill and me and stand against it.”
According to the analysis by the ELC, the proposed cuts to the School Funding Reform Act of 2008 formula, if adopted by the Legislature, will fall hardest on moderate and middle-income school districts. Eighty-eight districts will each lose over $1 million in state aid. Hamilton Township schools will be short funded the highest by over $8 million.
Hamilton: $8,102,284
South Brunswick: $3,607,359
West Windsor-Plainsboro: $1,069,074
Jamesburg: $703,478
Monroe Twp.: $466,896
Cranbury: $76,904
Total: $14,025,995
“Taxpayers cannot afford to bear the brunt of this shortfall at a time when our state is in financial crisis,” said business owner and Assembly candidate William Harvey. “The Governor and our Assembly members need to start from scratch to ensure that our schools receive the funding they need with zero impact on taxpayers.”
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RANDAZZO, D'ANGELO & WOJTENKO
FOR FREEHOLDERS
Press Release
Contact: Joe Truch
(609) 635-2122
GOP FREEHOLDER CANDIDATES DEMAND
FREEHOLDERS TAKE ACTION
Hamilton, NJ - April 10, 2009
GOP freeholder candidates Cindy Randazzo, Joe D'Angelo and Russ Wojtenko cried foul over the Hughes Administration's refusal to comply with the requirements of the Open Public Records Act and demanded the Freeholder Board take action.
On March 26, 2009 Cindy Randazzo sent an OPRA request to the County Administration, the OPRA request asked for information on the CountyClerk's office. Deputy County Counsel Sarah Crowley responded on March 30, 2009 that the request could not be complied with. This letter specifically referenced the requests directed to the CountyClerk. On April 9, 2009 the Trenton Times article "County Clerk Gives Up SUV" appeared. This article contained much of the information requested. To date the County has not responded to Randazzo's request.
Randazzo stated "I am outraged that the County Administration would refuse to provide information according to the law but would then release that exact information to the newspapers. The Times article was obviously a preemptive strike intended to deflect from the rampant mismanagement that has lead to our County being 'broke'. This is the type of political gaming that if elected we would stop. "
D'Angelo added "I hope that our opponents find this conduct by their Administration to be as reprehensible as I do. This is a perfect example of a time when the Freeholder Board should use their investigative powers. Will Pat Colavita, Ann Canon or Dan Benson investigate or will they once again allow their Administration to go on uncensored. Will they join their Administration's failure to comply with the law or do they believe that the public has a right to know? Will they chose to represent the public or their party?"
Wojtenko added, "I believe that the public's right to know is the basic tenet of good government. Elected leaders should never forget that they ultimately answer to the people. The Open Public Records Act was enacted specifically to protect that right. How can the Administration justify refusing to provide validly requested information but release that same information to the press? My opponents should take a stand. They have the power to investigate but most importantly they can and should condemn their Administration's actions."
"We believe every member of the public should be able to request and receive information from their government. As candidates and as elected officials, it is our pledge to make sure that we give Mercer County an open government. We will continue to ask for and publish information to the people. Maybe if our leaders spent more time efficiently managing our finances instead of playing political games we wouldn't be 'broke'."
