Is fighting corruption worth it?.. Olddoc thanks Lesniak.. New facts in biker fatality.. Carnival today thru Sunday.. False tax returns case..

BREAKING: Former Mayor Rick Taylor dies -- will post news and obit as available.

BREAKING: Hoboken Mayor Cammarano Resigns -- Bloomberg News.

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PLAINFIELD TODAY:

• "Is fighting corruption worth it?"

Biker Fatality: "Family, friends recall master cyclist, loving father" -- Sheds new light on case.
'Camp Discovery': "Plainfield kids get introduced to wonders of gardening"
Drugs: "Plainfield man spits out bags of drugs after car chase"
False Tax Returns: "Plainfield tax preparer pleads guilty to cheating IRS"
Literacy Volunteer Training: "Union County LVA to train volunteers" -- At the Plainfield Public Library.
Cash for Clunker Fridges: "State's recycling program pays for clunker fridges" -- And they'll take them away!
Liquor, wine taxes: "Taxes on alcohol set to rise this weekend"

Plainfield bloggers (click on name to go to post): Olddoc thanks Sen. Lesniak for 'sparing us a few months of Corzine mismanagement'. Everyone else taking dog days.

Hillsborough: "Township may place solar panels on municipal building"
Linden: "City offices closed Friday in cost-saving furlough"

2009 Races --

• Odds: "Three publications change race ratings" -- Steeper climb for Corzine after corruption bust.
• Christie: "Christie asked to explain connection to fraud plea deal" -- NewsroomNJ | PolNJ |
• Daggett: "We need to send a message to Trenton"
• Assembly: "South Amboy mayor to decide on run in August" -- Courier | Ledger | -- Allegations of corruption.

Corruption 44 --

• DEP: "DEP e-mails on contaminated property follow lawmaker's request" -- Seeking an 'NFA' letter.
• Doria: "Met with Dwek, Shaw; lawyer says he took no money"
• Expanding Case: "Case could expand as prosecutors turn defendants"
  
• 'Flipping': "Shaw had agreed to cooperate with FBI before his death" -- Record | Ledger |
  
• Cammarano: "Hoboken mayor to resign, Zimmer to take over" -- NewsroomNJ | Ledger |
  
• Middlesex Assemblyman: "Wisniewski rejected Dwek's corrupt offer"
• Tainted Contributions: "RSC will give Dwek money to charity in steps; Dems will not"
• 'Wheeling': "Mayors in North Jersey corruption sweep linked to South Jersey PAC"
  
• Complete Coverage: Ledger | PolitickerNJ |

Product Recall: "Burlington Coat Factory recalls boys hoodies on strangulation fears"

| BERNICE'S PLAINTALKER | MARIA'S BLOG | DOC'S POTPOURRI | PLAINFIELD SPORTS NEWS |
| PPS NEWS | PEPTALK | PLAINFIELD TREES |COUNCILOR McWILLIAMS | COUNCILOR MAPP |
| COUNCILOR STORCH | COUNCILOR BURNEY | JERRY GREEN'S PAGE |

---

CAMPAIGN BLOGS and WEBSITES

MAYOR
PIVNICHNY [blog] [website]	GOP candidate posts on issues facing the city. Website up 7/23/09.
ROBINSON-BRIGGS [website]	Site is still marked 'under construction'.
ASSEMBLY
GREEN [blog]	Democratic incumbent. Posts campaign, Assembly and community items.
MARKS/VASTINE [website] MARKS [blog] VASTINE [blog]	Republican Assembly candidates with a joint website. Marks is a former Mayor of Scotch Plains. Vastine, formerly of Plainfield, is running for office for the first time.

Continuing the practice begun during the primary election, CLIPS is posting links to online presences of candidates in the 2009 general election campaign. That will include notices of fundraisers, rallies, etc. in the calendar section.

---

Got a tip? Question? Click here to send PT an email.

WHAT'S HAPPENING

---

• Today thru Sunday - July 31-Aug 2. Carnival. Rides, games, food and fun for all. Fri evenings, Sat afternoon/evening, Sun afternoon/evening. At the Kenyon Avenue athletic field behind Plainfield High School. Entry free, the rest...not.
  
  
• Saturday - August 1. 11 AM - 3 PM. Bike Rodeo. Bike competition events, safety inspections and more. Food, fun, and kids activities. Part of the National Night Out Celebration activities. At Library Park, West 8th Street and College Place. FREE.
  
  
• Saturday - August 1. 6:30 PM Gates open, 7 PM start. NJ Wolves vs. Brooklyn Mariners. Plainfield-based NJ Wolves is an adult amateuer tackle football team, a member of the Regional American Football League. Tickets: $5, children under 12 free. At Seidler Field, North and Netherwood Avenues (across from the Netherwood Station). Concession stand will be open.
  
  
• Saturday - August 1. 8 PM. Coffee House: Discussion, Poetry and Refreshments. Join in a discussion of making healthcare reform happen with Tom Knoche of Healthcare-NOW and Jim Walsh, NJ Citizen Action. Poetry: Nancy Scott, author of 'One Stands Guard, On Sleeps'. At the Reformed Church of Highland Park, 19-21 South 2nd Avenue, Highland Park. Sponsor: Central NJ Coalition Against Endless War. Admission free, donations gratefully accepted.
  
  
• Monday thru Friday - August 3-7. 9 AM - 4 PM. Discover Your World: Girl Scouts Summer Daycamp. Two summer daycamps for girls: entering Grades 1-4, and entering Grades 5-8 this fall. The older group explores the worlds of CSI agents, image consultants, artisans and nutritionists. The younger group enjoys games, fiestas and high teas from around the world. At Calvary Baptist Church, 325 Monroe Avenue (at West 4th Street). Cost: $100/week (scholarships available -- contact Sue DeCarlo, (908) 232-3236 x1204). Info: Renée Jackson (973) 746-8200 x141 or visit the website at www.gshnj.org/.
  
  
• Tuesday - August 4. 6 PM. National Night Out Celebration. Join neighbors, block associations and businesses in 'giving crime a going away party'. Information tables, food. Sponsored by the National Night Out Committee. In front of City Hall, Watchung Avenue and East 6th Street. FREE.
  

Got an event to publicize? Click here and send me the details.

Not getting your own CLIPS email daily? Click here to get started.

---

North Plainfield Sunshine Act leaves Plainfield in the dust.. Bernice: Bike Rodeo.. Olddoc: No COPS money?.. DumpPMUA case in court Friday..

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PLAINFIELD TODAY:

• "North Plainfield Sunshine Act would leave Plainfield in the dust"
  
  
• "On-street parking permits for Plainfield?"

DumpPMUA Lawsuit: "Citizens case against authority heads to court" -- Hearing tomorrow.
Basketball: "Update on Tyrone Johnson from Rivals.com"
Council-PMUA: "Council, residents spar with waste agency officials"
Jerry Green: "Jerry Green visits Plainfield" -- Suburban News | PolitickerNJ |
Schools: "Court upholds firing of Plainfield vice principal" -- Formerly at Washington, Cedarbrook; over drugs.
Shooting: "Police lack motive, suspect in man's shooting" -- Courier | Ledger |
Suspicious Death: "Authorities probe death of North Avenue man"
Capt. Mike Gilliam: "Dunellen man among world's best in Tae Kwon Do"
Jayson Williams: "Williams in N.C. court on assault charge"
Guardian Angels: "Millville chapter dwindles to three" -- What ever happened to the Plainfield chapter?

Plainfield bloggers: Bernice notes Saturday's Bike Rodeo. Olddoc notes no COPS money for Plainfield. Maria takes a break. PEPtalk's Renate wants to hear something GOOD from you.

22nd District Race: "Marks blasts Stender over contributions from indicted pols" -- Blog post here.
COPS grants: "Towns mull options after being turned down for federal funding" -- And Plainfield?
Hillside: "Hillside's political tug-of-war heats up" -- Hires yet to be approved.
Middlesex County: "County, union agree on wage freeze to avoid layoffs"
Newark: "Officials accused of using city workers on home improvements"
South Plainfield: "Petra Solar gets contract for PSE&G utility pole panels" -- Will be hiring.
Union County: "Monkey business with Kemper Sports Management contract?"

2009 Races --

• Corzine LG: "Buono offended by NY Times characterization of her" -- Self-made, she says.
• Christie: "Whistleblower lawsuit targets his role in federal fraud plea"

Corruption 44 --

• Commentary: "NJ behind the curve in ethics and reform"
• Dwek: "Key witness made nearly $200K in campaign contributions"
• Shaw: "Willingness to build political ties led to illegal dealings"
• Subpoenaes: "Feds search for more as investigation widens"
• Wisniewski: "Assemblyman spurned bribe offer"
• Complete Coverage: Ledger | PolitickerNJ |

Hospitals: "Bayshore, Meridian seek merger"
Meadowlands Development: "Insurer to pay $2M in back taxes owed by EnCap developer"
Organ Dealing: "Lax hospitals may be fostering kidney-selling"
School Funding: "NJ budget shreds new school aid formula"
Solar Energy: "PSE&G wins approval for $515M in projects" -- Ledger | CNN |
NJ Supremes: "Court: Juveniles must have attorney to waive Miranda rights"

| BERNICE'S PLAINTALKER | MARIA'S BLOG | DOC'S POTPOURRI | PLAINFIELD SPORTS NEWS |
| PPS NEWS | PEPTALK | PLAINFIELD TREES |COUNCILOR McWILLIAMS | COUNCILOR MAPP |
| COUNCILOR STORCH | COUNCILOR BURNEY | JERRY GREEN'S PAGE |

---

CAMPAIGN BLOGS and WEBSITES

MAYOR
PIVNICHNY [blog] [website]	GOP candidate posts on issues facing the city. Website up 7/23/09.
ROBINSON-BRIGGS [website]	Site is still marked 'under construction'.
ASSEMBLY
GREEN [blog]	Democratic incumbent. Posts campaign, Assembly and community items.
MARKS/VASTINE [website] MARKS [blog] VASTINE [blog]	Republican Assembly candidates with a joint website. Marks is a former Mayor of Scotch Plains. Vastine, formerly of Plainfield, is running for office for the first time.

Continuing the practice begun during the primary election, CLIPS is posting links to online presences of candidates in the 2009 general election campaign. That will include notices of fundraisers, rallies, etc. in the calendar section.

---

Got a tip? Question? Click here to send PT an email.

WHAT'S HAPPENING

---

• Today thru Sunday - July 30-Aug 2. Carnival. Rides, games, food and fun for all. Thu/Fri evenings, Sat afternoon/evening, Sun afternoon/evening. At the Kenyon Avenue athletic field behind Plainfield High School. Entry free, the rest...not.
  
  
• Saturday - August 1. 11 AM - 3 PM. Bike Rodeo. Bike competition events, safety inspections and more. Food, fun, and kids activities. Part of the National Night Out Celebration activities. At Library Park, West 8th Street and College Place. FREE.
  
  
• Saturday - August 1. 6:30 PM Gates open, 7 PM start. NJ Wolves vs. Brooklyn Mariners. Plainfield-based NJ Wolves is an adult amateuer tackle football team, a member of the Regional American Football League. Tickets: $5, children under 12 free. At Seidler Field, North and Netherwood Avenues (across from the Netherwood Station). Concession stand will be open.
  
  
• Saturday - August 1. 8 PM. Coffee House: Discussion, Poetry and Refreshments. Join in a discussion of making healthcare reform happen with Tom Knoche of Healthcare-NOW and Jim Walsh, NJ Citizen Action. Poetry: Nancy Scott, author of 'One Stands Guard, On Sleeps'. At the Reformed Church of Highland Park, 19-21 South 2nd Avenue, Highland Park. Sponsor: Central NJ Coalition Against Endless War. Admission free, donations gratefully accepted.
  
  
• Monday thru Friday - August 3-7. 9 AM - 4 PM. Discover Your World: Girl Scouts Summer Daycamp. Two summer daycamps for girls: entering Grades 1-4, and entering Grades 5-8 this fall. The older group explores the worlds of CSI agents, image consultants, artisans and nutritionists. The younger group enjoys games, fiestas and high teas from around the world. At Calvary Baptist Church, 325 Monroe Avenue (at West 4th Street). Cost: $100/week (scholarships available -- contact Sue DeCarlo, (908) 232-3236 x1204). Info: Renée Jackson (973) 746-8200 x141 or visit the website at www.gshnj.org/.
  
  
• Tuesday - August 4. 6 PM. National Night Out Celebration. Join neighbors, block associations and businesses in 'giving crime a going away party'. Information tables, food. Sponsored by the National Night Out Committee. In front of City Hall, Watchung Avenue and East 6th Street. FREE.
  

Got an event to publicize? Click here and send me the details.

Not getting your own CLIPS email daily? Click here to get started.

---

On-street parking permits?.. No suspect in shooting.. Council-PMUA: Courier, Bernice, Olddoc.. Jerry Green visits Plainfield.. Schools firing upheld..

---

PLAINFIELD TODAY:

• "On-street parking permits for Plainfield?"

Basketball: "Update on Tyrone Johnson from Rivals.com"
Council-PMUA: "Council, residents spar with waste agency officials"
Jerry Green: "Jerry Green visits Plainfield" -- Suburban News | PolitickerNJ |
Schools: "Court upholds firing of Plainfield vice principal" -- Formerly at Washington, Cedarbrook; over drugs.
Shooting: "Police lack motive, suspect in man's shooting" -- Courier | Ledger |
Suspicious Death: "Authorities probe death of North Avenue man"

Plainfield bloggers: Bernice, Olddoc on the PMUA-Council meeting. Maria: Is Monarch tax break needed?. Plainfield Sports News: Business first for Blount of NJ Express. Councilor Mapp nada.

Courier News Property: "Zoning board denies proposal for former Courier building"
Gangs: "Bloodettes: 43 busted in female-led drug ring"
New Brunswick: "Forum on ward elections set for tonight"
Scotch Plains: "Scotch Plains will be home to new Blood Center"

2009 Races --

• Assembly: "Wisniewski asks running mate O'Leary to step aside" -- PolNJ | Ledger | -- South Amboy mayor rumored under investigation.

Corruption 44:

• PolitickerNJ: "The Scandal State" -- Hudson Co., Cammarano, Corzine and editorial.
• Death: "Death of arrested consultant being investigated" -- Possible suicide.
• Bayonne: "Bayonne Dem chair says he turned down $5,000 from Dwek"
• Hoboken: "Cammarano's chief of staff resigns" -- PolNJ | Ledger |
• Secaucus: "Resignation of mayor greeted by applause at council meeting"

Arts Grants: "Organizations get $14.4M in state grants" -- Ledger | Courier | -- Top 25 here.
COPS Program: "$26.8M awarded to save NJ cop jobs" -- Elizabeth gets, Plainfield does not.
Merrill Lynch: "State sues, alleging misled into $300M stock purchase"

Digital TV: "Digital switch leaves some TVs on the fritz" -- Digital reception has its own issues.

| BERNICE'S PLAINTALKER | MARIA'S BLOG | DOC'S POTPOURRI | PLAINFIELD SPORTS NEWS |
| PPS NEWS | PEPTALK | PLAINFIELD TREES |COUNCILOR McWILLIAMS | COUNCILOR MAPP |
| COUNCILOR STORCH | COUNCILOR BURNEY | JERRY GREEN'S PAGE |

---

CAMPAIGN BLOGS and WEBSITES

MAYOR
PIVNICHNY [blog] [website]	GOP candidate posts on issues facing the city. Website up 7/23/09.
ROBINSON-BRIGGS [website]	Site is still marked 'under construction'.
ASSEMBLY
GREEN [blog]	Democratic incumbent. Posts campaign, Assembly and community items.
MARKS/VASTINE [website] MARKS [blog] VASTINE [blog]	Republican Assembly candidates with a joint website. Marks is a former Mayor of Scotch Plains. Vastine, formerly of Plainfield, is running for office for the first time.

Continuing the practice begun during the primary election, CLIPS is posting links to online presences of candidates in the 2009 general election campaign. That will include notices of fundraisers, rallies, etc. in the calendar section.

---

Got a tip? Question? Click here to send PT an email.

WHAT'S HAPPENING

---

• Thursday thru Sunday - July 30-Aug 2. Carnival. Rides, games, food and fun for all. Thu/Fri evenings, Sat afternoon/evening, Sun afternoon/evening. At the Kenyon Avenue athletic field behind Plainfield High School. Entry free, the rest...not.
  
  
• Saturday - August 1. 11 AM - 3 PM. Bike Rodeo. Bike competition events, safety inspections and more. Food, fun, and kids activities. Part of the National Night Out Celebration activities. At Library Park, West 8th Street and College Place. FREE.
  
  
• Saturday - August 1. 6:30 PM Gates open, 7 PM start. NJ Wolves vs. Brooklyn Mariners. Plainfield-based NJ Wolves is an adult amateuer tackle football team, a member of the Regional American Football League. Tickets: $5, children under 12 free. At Seidler Field, North and Netherwood Avenues (across from the Netherwood Station). Concession stand will be open.
  
  
• Saturday - August 1. 8 PM. Coffee House: Discussion, Poetry and Refreshments. Join in a discussion of making healthcare reform happen with Tom Knoche of Healthcare-NOW and Jim Walsh, NJ Citizen Action. Poetry: Nancy Scott, author of 'One Stands Guard, On Sleeps'. At the Reformed Church of Highland Park, 19-21 South 2nd Avenue, Highland Park. Sponsor: Central NJ Coalition Against Endless War. Admission free, donations gratefully accepted.
  
  
• Monday thru Friday - August 3-7. 9 AM - 4 PM. Discover Your World: Girl Scouts Summer Daycamp. Two summer daycamps for girls: entering Grades 1-4, and entering Grades 5-8 this fall. The older group explores the worlds of CSI agents, image consultants, artisans and nutritionists. The younger group enjoys games, fiestas and high teas from around the world. At Calvary Baptist Church, 325 Monroe Avenue (at West 4th Street). Cost: $100/week (scholarships available -- contact Sue DeCarlo, (908) 232-3236 x1204). Info: Renée Jackson (973) 746-8200 x141 or visit the website at www.gshnj.org/.
  
  
• Tuesday - August 4. 6 PM. National Night Out Celebration. Join neighbors, block associations and businesses in 'giving crime a going away party'. Information tables, food. Sponsored by the National Night Out Committee. In front of City Hall, Watchung Avenue and East 6th Street. FREE.
  

Got an event to publicize? Click here and send me the details.

Not getting your own CLIPS email daily? Click here to get started.

---

Man shot, medevaced.. Dan, Bernice, Olddoc on Council-PMUA.. PolNJ OpEd on Jerry..

---

PLAINFIELD TODAY:

• "Man shot multiple times Monday evening"
  
  
• "Council-PMUA Meeting: Two teensy weensy footnotes"
  

Housing Authority: "HAP's new nonprofit rehabs homes, sets rent-to-own option"
Jerry Green: "Jerry Green, a man for all positions" -- PolitickerNJ OpEd.
Bank of America: "BOA to close 10% of branches"

Plainfield bloggers (click on name to go to post): Bernice posting on PMUA meeting later. Olddoc Ledger's comic loss, check later for PMUA post. Maria on Middlesex's approach to affordable housing. Plainfield Sports News interviews Quassim Austin, Jersey Express coach.

EMT Services: "Perth Amboy, under court order, seeks bids on EMT services"
Layoffs: "Paterson to lay off 59 cops over budget woes"
Mountainside: "Police get LoJack equipment to track stolen cars"
Newark: "New Community's 'Culinary Cafe': Low-cost cuisine by chefs-to-be"
Ovarian Cancer: "Education the focus of awareness night at Somerset Patriots"
Roselle: "Politicians argue over cost saving of shared services plan"
Somerville: "Investigation continues into church's code violations" -- Pastor is Councilwoman.

2009 Races --

• Weinberg: "Outcast Roselle mayor Smith celebrates pick as 'awesome'"
• Daggett: "Daggett picks Kean dean Esposito as LG running mate" -- PolNJ | Ledger |

Corruption Cases --

• The 44: "Elected officials ensnared by feds pushed to resign"
• Cammarano: "Hoboken Dem Committee to Cammarano: Leave!"
  
• Van Pelt: "Assemblyman also faces suit over meddling in development matters"
  
• Carneys Point: "Appeals court increases ex-mayor's sentence to 5 years in bribery case"

Government Records: "Open government group wins suit against Records Council" -- Forcing the enforcer to open up.
NJ Stimulus Bill: "Corzine signs bill giving developer incentives near train stations" -- For nine towns. Is Plainfield one?
Supremes: "Top court: Immigrants must understand deportation law before guilty plea"

Bird Fighting: "Police break up bird-fighting event" -- Finches and canaries; Jerseyans among those busted.
Texting & Driving: "Study: Risk for collision increased by huge margin" -- Duh.

| BERNICE'S PLAINTALKER | MARIA'S BLOG | DOC'S POTPOURRI | PLAINFIELD SPORTS NEWS |
| PPS NEWS | PEPTALK | PLAINFIELD TREES |COUNCILOR McWILLIAMS | COUNCILOR MAPP |
| COUNCILOR STORCH | COUNCILOR BURNEY | JERRY GREEN'S PAGE |

---

CAMPAIGN BLOGS and WEBSITES

MAYOR
PIVNICHNY [blog] [website]	GOP candidate posts on issues facing the city. Website up 7/23/09.
ROBINSON-BRIGGS [website]	Site is still marked 'under construction'.
ASSEMBLY
GREEN [blog]	Democratic incumbent. Posts campaign, Assembly and community items.
MARKS/VASTINE [website] MARKS [blog] VASTINE [blog]	Republican Assembly candidates with a joint website. Marks is a former Mayor of Scotch Plains. Vastine, formerly of Plainfield, is running for office for the first time.

Continuing the practice begun during the primary election, CLIPS is posting links to online presences of candidates in the 2009 general election campaign. That will include notices of fundraisers, rallies, etc. in the calendar section.

---

Got a tip? Question? Click here to send PT an email.

WHAT'S HAPPENING

---

• Today - July 28. 9 AM - 3ish PM. Farmer's Market: Stillwell Farms of Robbinsville. Fresh fruits and veggies. Vacant lot between City Hall and Salvation Army, Watchung Avenue.
  
  
• Today - July 28. 6:30 PM. Citywide Block Association Meeting. At: United Presbyterian Church, 525 East Front Street (across from Richmond Towers, parking in rear).
  
  
• Today - July 28. 7:30 PM. Historic Preservation Commission. City Hall Library. 515 Watchung Avenue (parking in lot at rear of building). Public invited.
  
  
• Thursday - July 30. 9 AM - 3ish PM. Farmer's Market: Stillwell Farms of Robbinsville. Fresh fruits and veggies. Vacant lot between City Hall and Salvation Army, Watchung Avenue.
  
  
• Thursday thru Sunday - July 30-Aug 2. Carnival. Rides, games, food and fun for all. Thu/Fri evenings, Sat afternoon/evening, Sun afternoon/evening. At the Kenyon Avenue athletic field behind Plainfield High School. Entry free, the rest...not.
  
  
• Saturday - August 1. 11 AM - 3 PM. Bike Rodeo. Bike competition events, safety inspections and more. Food, fun, and kids activities. Part of the National Night Out Celebration activities. At Library Park, West 8th Street and College Place. FREE.
  
  
• Saturday - August 1. 6:30 PM Gates open, 7 PM start. NJ Wolves vs. Brooklyn Mariners. Plainfield-based NJ Wolves is an adult amateuer tackle football team, a member of the Regional American Football League. Tickets: $5, children under 12 free. At Seidler Field, North and Netherwood Avenues (across from the Netherwood Station). Concession stand will be open.
  
  
• Monday thru Friday - August 3-7. 9 AM - 4 PM. Discover Your World: Girl Scouts Summer Daycamp. Two summer daycamps for girls: entering Grades 1-4, and entering Grades 5-8 this fall. The older group explores the worlds of CSI agents, image consultants, artisans and nutritionists. The younger group enjoys games, fiestas and high teas from around the world. At Calvary Baptist Church, 325 Monroe Avenue (at West 4th Street). Cost: $100/week (scholarships available -- contact Sue DeCarlo, (908) 232-3236 x1204). Info: Renée Jackson (973) 746-8200 x141 or visit the website at www.gshnj.org/.
  
  
• Tuesday - August 4. 6 PM. National Night Out Celebration. Join neighbors, block associations and businesses in 'giving crime a going away party'. Information tables, food. Sponsored by the National Night Out Committee. In front of City Hall, Watchung Avenue and East 6th Street. FREE.
  

Got an event to publicize? Click here and send me the details.

Not getting your own CLIPS email daily? Click here to get started.

---