Maria: The four school budget 'pots'.. Olddoc on Medicaid.. Bernice: UEZ situation needs analysis.. Dr. E=MC²: Christie funding setting up 'separate but [un]equal' situation?.. Rucker interviews Philip Charles.. PSN rounds up several weekend contests.. Jackie on TAR's unfinished business..

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PLAINFIELD TODAY:

• "Hidden Plainfield: Trolley track location"

Urban Enterprise Zone:  "UEZ demise unwelcome in Plainfield"
Black History Month:  "Menendez hosts event at 'Buster' Soaries' church"

MISSING DOG: A male mini Yorkie, answering to 'Mr. Belvidere' has gone missing in the Belvidere Avenue/Denmark Road neighborhood. If you have seen or have information about this dog, please call the owners at (908) 753-8985 or send an email to info@netherwoodheights.com.

Edison:  "Diverse ethnic businesses thrive in Edison"
Linden:  "Council members seek public input on budget"

Gov. Christie --

• Michelle Obama:  "Christie stands up for Michelle Obama in food fight"
• Unions:  "On Face The Nation, Christie ducks collective bargaining issue"

Christopher Cerf:  "Education commissioner's involvement in Newark looks bad" -- Bob Braun, Ledger.
Hudson Rail Tunnel:  "NJ seeks refunds for scrapped tunnel project"
'Millionaire's Tax':  "'Millionaire's tax' fair and reasonable in a crisis" -- Editorial, Courier.
Property Taxes:  "Why Christie won't cut property taxes" -- From NJ Spotlight.
Public Workers:  "NJ public workers are in a hurry to retire"
Redistricting:  "Rosenthal meets with redistricting teams" -- The 'tie breaker'.
Unions --

• NJ:  "NJ cops and firefighters to rally Thursday"
• Wisconsin:  "Phone prank uncovers Wisc. governor's strategy for dispute with unions"

RECENT POSTS: Bernice notes the report to the guv on UEZs signals a need for analysis. Olddoc turns an eye to Medicaid issues, and recommends the thoughtful comments made on his recent posts. Maria on the four school budget 'pots'. Dr. E=MC², suggests Christie's moves on school funding are setting up a new 'separate but [un]equal' regime. Tony Rucker, at Queen City Progressive, summarizes an interview with DumpPMUA's Philip Charles (also available on his radio channel). Plainfield Sports News rounds up several Badger 7-on-7 contests, and St. Pat's taking Union County title. Jackie Schnoop's The (TV) Show Must Go On, hosts her blog party for TAR's 2/27 unfinished business.

| BERNICE: PLAINTALKER II | MARIA'S BLOG | DOC'S POTPOURRI | PIV FOR PLAINFIELD |
  COUNCILORS: | McWILLIAMS | MAPP | STORCH | WILLIAMS |
| JERRY GREEN'S PAGE | PLAINFIELD TOMORROW | QC PROGRESSIVE | BURNEY: AS I SEE IT |
  NAT: DUMBED DOWN AMERICA | REBECCA: BATHROBE BLOGGER | RENATA: STANDING IN THE GAP
| PLAINFIELD SPORTS NEWS | JACKIE: THE (TV) SHOW MUST GO ON | DOTTIE G SEZ |
| VASHON: A STUDENT'S PERSPECTIVE | MILANI: PEPTalk | DR. E=MC² | SCHOOL NEWS |
| CABLE TV ADVISORY BOARD | CITIZEN'S BUDGET ADVISORY COMMITTEE |

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WHAT'S HAPPENING

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• The CLIPS calendar is now hosted by Google Calendar and has moved to the sidebar to the right. For an overview of how Google Calendar works, see my post here.
  
  
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Maria: Special BOE meeting Tuesday on tentative budget.. Bernice finds a scary macro!.. Olddoc on societal fractures.. PSN: Dawud Hicks takes regional wrestling crown.. Jerry has a raft of correspondence.. Renata: Youth Summit is coming.. Rucker: Spring is coming.. Jackie: Sunday pix are here..

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PLAINFIELD TODAY:

• "Hidden Plainfield: A trolley ran through it"

Wrestling:  "PHS wrestler Dawud Hicks makes A.C. state tournament" -- Courier | Ledger |
Letter, Courier:  "Social Security fixes aren't all that hard" -- The man speaks the truth; it's Congress raiding the fund that's the issue.

Banks:  "Wachovia banks get Wells Fargo makeover"
Bridgewater:  "Proposed ordinance could derail turning inn into mosque"
East Orange:  "Allegations of sexual harassment against Bowser"
Edison:  "Council hires two lawyers to help quiz Mayor"
Elizabeth:  "Officials at odds over gang presence in Elizabeth"
Middlesex County:  "Reorganization includes layoffs, reducing department heads"
Newark:  "Parents, educators alarmed by school reform proposal"
Trenton: "City cancels furloughs for 600 after state objects"

Christie:  "Christie supports Wisconsin governor, but no plans to cut collective bargaining in NJ"
The Auditor:  "Farmer & redistricting; Schools construction snubs; combatant now a candidate"
Tom Moran:  "Christie ridiing high...on hot air"
Budget:  "Medicaid cuts crucial to state budget"
School Construction:  "Restraint was too long coming for school construction aid" -- Editorial, Courier.
Surveillance Cams:  "Cam use grows statewide, benefits uncertain"
Teaching:  "NJ's top teachers hashing out their own reforms"

Real Estate --

• NJ Real Estate:  "Low tide for Shore market"
• Loans:  "FHA to raise insurance premiums"
• Technology:  "A 'For Sale' sign with brains"

RECENT POSTS: Bernice exclaims Holy Macro! on finding new view. Olddoc weighs in on the 'fractures' in society revealed by the latest government-unions tensions. Maria notes special BOE meeting set for Tuesday to adopt a tentative budget. Plainfield Sports News finds Dawud Hicks winning regional wrestling crown. Jerry posts a host of letters: Dems support collective bargaining rights, a manufacturing project in Clark, a DCA grant in Somerset County, and letters from St. Bart's students. Tony Rucker, at Queen City Progressive, reminds all (with pix) Spring is coming, and notes an interview on his radio channel. BOE member Renata Hernandez reports at Standing In The Gap, notes the Youth Summit is coming soon. Jackie Schnoop's The (TV) Show Must Go On, has nice pix up for Sunday (I love the 'should have stayed in bed' one).

| BERNICE: PLAINTALKER II | MARIA'S BLOG | DOC'S POTPOURRI | PIV FOR PLAINFIELD |
  COUNCILORS: | McWILLIAMS | MAPP | STORCH | WILLIAMS |
| JERRY GREEN'S PAGE | PLAINFIELD TOMORROW | QC PROGRESSIVE | BURNEY: AS I SEE IT |
  NAT: DUMBED DOWN AMERICA | REBECCA: BATHROBE BLOGGER | RENATA: STANDING IN THE GAP
| PLAINFIELD SPORTS NEWS | JACKIE: THE (TV) SHOW MUST GO ON | DOTTIE G SEZ |
| VASHON: A STUDENT'S PERSPECTIVE | MILANI: PEPTalk | DR. E=MC² | SCHOOL NEWS |
| CABLE TV ADVISORY BOARD | CITIZEN'S BUDGET ADVISORY COMMITTEE |

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WHAT'S HAPPENING

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• The CLIPS calendar is now hosted by Google Calendar and has moved to the sidebar to the right. For an overview of how Google Calendar works, see my post here.
  
  
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2 charged in murder.. Muhlenberg exhibit at Drake House.. Reaction to UEZ study.. On your own with blogs this AM, have an appointment..

---

PLAINFIELD TODAY:

• "Signs Of The Times: Library's Children's Room being reinvented"

2010 Homicide:  "Plainfield men charged in shooting of woman found dead in Piscataway"
Book Signing:  "Plainfield author J.M. Benjamin reads, signs books at Library" -- Photo gallery here.
Drake House:  "Drake House hosting exhibit on Muhlenberg history"
Tagging:  "North Plainfield man arrested in downtown graffiti spree"
UEZ:  "Plainfield merchants, officials displeased with Christie's plan to eliminate UEZ"

Commission Probe:  "Dramatic rate hikes, customer treatment spark call for investigation of PVWC"
J&J:  "J&J's troubles lower bonuses of CEO and consumer products exec"
Police Regionalization:  "Watchung, Warren, Green Brook take part in county police study"
Superintendent Salaries:  "Christie administration threatens to withhold Parsippany budget approval"

Gov. Christie:  "Christie takes aim at North Jersey Water Commission" -- PolNJ | Record |
Trenton Rally:  "Christie accused of trying to start 'middle-class civil war'" -- Ledger | Gannett | PolNJ | -- Photos here  (Courier) and here (Ledger).

YOU'RE ON YOUR OWN WITH BLOGS THIS MORNING -- HAVE AN APPOINTMENT.

| BERNICE: PLAINTALKER II | MARIA'S BLOG | DOC'S POTPOURRI | PIV FOR PLAINFIELD |
  COUNCILORS: | McWILLIAMS | MAPP | STORCH | WILLIAMS |
| JERRY GREEN'S PAGE | PLAINFIELD TOMORROW | QC PROGRESSIVE | BURNEY: AS I SEE IT |
  NAT: DUMBED DOWN AMERICA | REBECCA: BATHROBE BLOGGER | RENATA: STANDING IN THE GAP
| PLAINFIELD SPORTS NEWS | JACKIE: THE (TV) SHOW MUST GO ON | DOTTIE G SEZ |
| VASHON: A STUDENT'S PERSPECTIVE | MILANI: PEPTalk | DR. E=MC² | SCHOOL NEWS |
| CABLE TV ADVISORY BOARD | CITIZEN'S BUDGET ADVISORY COMMITTEE |

« Email Dan your tip or question. » | « Follow Dan on Twitter. »

WHAT'S HAPPENING

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• The CLIPS calendar is now hosted by Google Calendar and has moved to the sidebar to the right. For an overview of how Google Calendar works, see my post here.
  
  
• Got an event to publicize? Click here to email me the details.

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

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Renata sums up anti-bullying summit at Rutgers.. Bernice: Monarch situation complicates revenues, Vets issues.. Maria: District's last 3 audits online.. Olddoc: questions occupancy issues at Monarch.. Rucker's ATM trip interrupted by bank robbery investigation.. Vashon reprints Somerset Leadership interview..

---

PLAINFIELD TODAY:

• "What loss of UEZ would mean to Plainfield"

Suspect in attempted PNC robbery, from surveillance video

 

Bank Robbery:  "Plainfield police hunt woman in attempted bank heist" -- Courier | Ledger | -- PNC, South Avenue; I tweeted yesterday.
J.M. Benjamin:  "Local author speaks, signs books at Library"
Music For All Seasons:  "Flautist James Galway steps up for arts group" -- Founders Brian Dallow and Rena Fruchter are longtime Plainfielders.
Trenton Rally:  "NJ unionists to rally in solidarity with Wisconsin workers at noon today" -- Ledger | NJ Newsrm |

Friends of Jazz:  "Bob Young brings his jazz program to Piscataway seniors"
'Liar Loan':  "Newark cop, loan officer charged in fraudulent Elizabeth real estate deal"
Newark:  "Goldie Hawn will join Dalai Lama at Newark Peace Summit"
Newark Schools:  "Booker discloses $43M in private donations to schools reform"
Tax Appeal:  "Alcatel, New Providence in settlement reducing assessment by 42%" -- Bill will go down about $1M/year.

Affordable Housing --

• Court:  "Court sends COAH rules back for rewrite"
• Legislature:  "Affordable housing controversy continues as bill is prepared for introduction"

Charter Schools:  "Christie funding promises leave much to be desired"
Wineries:  "Court decision clouds future of NJ wineries"

Black History Month:  "Long-forgotten Black cemeteries tell of honor and courage"
Toyota Recall:  "Recall of final 2.1M vehicles brings federal review to an end"

RECENT POSTS: Bernice continues examining the Monarch, with rentals complicating cit revenues and Vets Center issues. Olddoc questions the certificate of occupancy situation at the Monarch. Maria finds last 3 years District audits are online. BOE member Renata Hernandez reports at Standing In The Gap, on Wednesday's anti-bullying conference at Rutgers, which 100 Plainfield students attended. Vashon Hill, of the Leadership Project blogs at A Student's Perspective, printing Somerset Leadership's interview with him. Tony Rucker, at Queen City Progressive, tried to use the ATM at the South Avenue PNC in the midst of all the hubbub yesterday.

| BERNICE: PLAINTALKER II | MARIA'S BLOG | DOC'S POTPOURRI | PIV FOR PLAINFIELD |
  COUNCILORS: | McWILLIAMS | MAPP | STORCH | WILLIAMS |
| JERRY GREEN'S PAGE | PLAINFIELD TOMORROW | QC PROGRESSIVE | BURNEY: AS I SEE IT |
  NAT: DUMBED DOWN AMERICA | REBECCA: BATHROBE BLOGGER | RENATA: STANDING IN THE GAP
| PLAINFIELD SPORTS NEWS | JACKIE: THE (TV) SHOW MUST GO ON | DOTTIE G SEZ |
| VASHON: A STUDENT'S PERSPECTIVE | MILANI: PEPTalk | DR. E=MC² | SCHOOL NEWS |
| CABLE TV ADVISORY BOARD | CITIZEN'S BUDGET ADVISORY COMMITTEE |

« Email Dan your tip or question. » | « Follow Dan on Twitter. »

WHAT'S HAPPENING

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• The CLIPS calendar is now hosted by Google Calendar and has moved to the sidebar to the right. For an overview of how Google Calendar works, see my post here.
  
  
• Got an event to publicize? Click here to email me the details.

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Bernice: Rentals among issues at Monarch condos.. Maria invites interest in 'stakeholder's group', posts aid figure.. Olddoc adds to Monarch conversation.. Williams celebrates Black intellectualism.. Rucker on megastores and mom-and-pops.. PSN notes Tsunami Track Club signups, Barclays Open volunteer opportunities..

---

PLAINFIELD TODAY:

• "School Aid: 2010 and 2011 (proposed) compared"

22nd District:  "Marks debating running against Assemblyman Green"
Gangs:  "Plainfield police investigate aggravated assault" -- Man chased, beaten by men in blue.
Gun Ccontrol:  "Lautenberg in Plainfield to promote gun control legislation" -- Courier | Ledger |
Soul Food:  "Plainfield a hot spot for soul food" -- Two Fish & Five Loaves, Family Soul Spot, Freshwaters.

'Crossroad of the Revolution':  "Public input sought on 213-site proposed Heritage Area"
Gangs Report:  "Town disputes State Police numbers of 119 members, 23 gangs"
Newark Schools --

• "Ed chief Cerf changes story about involvement"
• "Q&A: I was a 'civilian'"
• "Situation recalls earlier NYC deailngs"

Police Layoffs:  "Paterson to lay off 125 officers, demote others"
School Funding:  "NJ unveils school aid for central Jersey" -- Ledger | Gannett | NJ Spotlight | WSJ | Data here.
Solar Panel Hazard:  "Firefighters say roof panels a hazard in fighting fires"

Gov. Christie:  "'Collective bargaining not the issue'" -- PolNJ | NYTimes | Phil Inq |
'Millionaire's Tax':  "Some Dems clamor to renew fight to enact 'millionaire's tax'"
Police Consolidation:  "Towns, counties across NJ consider police consolidation"
Public Defender:  "Braun: Public Defender says Christie is trying to force her to resign" -- Ledger | PolNJ |
Racial Profiling:  "Report: State Police show progress"
School Vouchers:  "Act may leave out town where it all began" -- From NJ Spotlight.
State Aid:  "Aid to municipalities kept flat" -- Town-by-town details here.
Taxes:  "Report: Jerseyans highest taxed in nation" -- One eighth of income goes to state, local taxes.
Turnpike:  "Toll collectors, Authority accuse each other of misleading info"

RECENT POSTS: Bernice uncovers issues, including rentals, in interview with Monarch owners. Olddoc adds to the Monarch discussion, plus the court battle over the healthcare bill. Maria posts Plainfield's new state aid number, solicits interest in a 'stakeholders group'. Rebecca Williams' Confessions, celebrates Black intellectualism on the 5th anniversary of Octavia E. Butler's passing. Tony Rucker, at Queen City Progressive, notes Borders store closing recalls small businesses megastores killed off. Plainfield Sports News notes Tsunami Track Club signups, volunteer opportunities with the Barclays PGA Tournament, and St. Pat's over Roselle Catholic.

| BERNICE: PLAINTALKER II | MARIA'S BLOG | DOC'S POTPOURRI | PIV FOR PLAINFIELD |
  COUNCILORS: | McWILLIAMS | MAPP | STORCH | WILLIAMS |
| JERRY GREEN'S PAGE | PLAINFIELD TOMORROW | QC PROGRESSIVE | BURNEY: AS I SEE IT |
  NAT: DUMBED DOWN AMERICA | REBECCA: BATHROBE BLOGGER | RENATA: STANDING IN THE GAP
| PLAINFIELD SPORTS NEWS | JACKIE: THE (TV) SHOW MUST GO ON | DOTTIE G SEZ |
| VASHON: A STUDENT'S PERSPECTIVE | MILANI: PEPTalk | DR. E=MC² | SCHOOL NEWS |
| CABLE TV ADVISORY BOARD | CITIZEN'S BUDGET ADVISORY COMMITTEE |

« Email Dan your tip or question. » | « Follow Dan on Twitter. »

WHAT'S HAPPENING

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• The CLIPS calendar is now hosted by Google Calendar and has moved to the sidebar to the right. For an overview of how Google Calendar works, see my post here.
  
  
• Got an event to publicize? Click here to email me the details.

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

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Storch: How to use 'Millionaire's Tax' monies.. Olddoc and Maria wrestle with upcoming schools budget.. Bernice: Community garden planning should start now.. Renata's take on some youth employment issues.. Rucker finds citywide block associations take up traffic safety issues.. PSN wraps up PHS wrestling, plus two more items..

---

PLAINFIELD TODAY:

• "On reading Renata on youth employment issues"
  

Affordable Housing:  "Affordable housing need endures" -- Letter, Courier; Rev.Julia Hamilton, UU Legislative Ministry of NJ.
Gangs:  "Reputed G-Shine Blood leader denied bail" -- Details begin to emerge about warring Bloods gang factions.
Urban Enterprise Zones:  "Christie budget 'devastating' for UEZs"

Carnford:  "Officials: Tax appeals bring surplus down to $58,000 from $1M"
Newark --

• Charters:  "Crowds protest plan to close schools, replace them with charters"
• Contract:   "Acting NJ ed chief founded consulting firm hired to overhaul Newark schools" -- Self-dealing in NJ?

Police Layoffs:  "Jersey City. union come to agreement, avoiding 20 demotions"
Trenton:  "Council president vows subpoenaes to get answers from Mack's administration"
Union County:  "Freeholder Jalloh gives Jack & Jill students a civics lesson"
'Visit NJ':  "Bus tour to highlight Union County historical sites"

Gov. Christie's Budget --

• Budget:  "Christie proposes $29.4B plan" -- Text | Ledger | Gannett | NJ Spotlight | PolNJ | NYTimes | Bloomberg |
• Dem Response:  "Dems to be aggressive against cuts to schools, social services"
• Employee Benefits:  "Christie challenges Dems: Make workers pay more for benefits"
• Medicaid:  "Medicaid cut $540M, transfering participants to managed care"
• Municipalities:  "Aid to towns to remain flat under Christie proposal"
• Schools:  "Officials worry despite proposed increase in aid" -- Ledger | NJ Spotlight |
• Tax Rebates:  "Christie proposed doubling size of property tax rebates"
• Union Reaction:  "Public employee unions angry at budget address"
• On Wisconsin:  "Christie: It's a class clash" -- Christie proposes redefining the word 'class'.

Facebook:  "A hands-on education to learn FB changes" -- Overton and Eldridge are 'friends' on many Plainfielders' FB pages.
Spivey on Beer:  "Hoppy Weyerbacher brew is impressive"
Municipal Bonds:  "Fearing defaults, investors flee muni bond market"
Unions --

• Wall Street Journal:  "Political fight over unions escalates"
• WashPost:  "State budget clashes spread to Indiana, Ohio"

RECENT POSTS: Bernice advises community garden enthusiasts to plan now. Olddoc wrestles with school budget murkiness. Maria adds in overlooked 7th grade data, notes continuing budget questions. Councilor Storch suggests a new use for 'Millionaire's Tax' Lesniak wants restored. BOE member Renata Hernandez reports at Standing In The Gap, on youth employment issues and her take on them. Tony Rucker, at Queen City Progressive, reports the citywide block associations meeting on Tuesday took up traffic safety issues. Plainfield Sports News gives a PHS wrestling wrapup, plus Day Two of Badger Sport challenge, and another Brick City Brawl fight.

| BERNICE: PLAINTALKER II | MARIA'S BLOG | DOC'S POTPOURRI | PIV FOR PLAINFIELD |
  COUNCILORS: | McWILLIAMS | MAPP | STORCH | WILLIAMS |
| JERRY GREEN'S PAGE | PLAINFIELD TOMORROW | QC PROGRESSIVE | BURNEY: AS I SEE IT |
  NAT: DUMBED DOWN AMERICA | REBECCA: BATHROBE BLOGGER | RENATA: STANDING IN THE GAP
| PLAINFIELD SPORTS NEWS | JACKIE: THE (TV) SHOW MUST GO ON | DOTTIE G SEZ |
| VASHON: A STUDENT'S PERSPECTIVE | MILANI: PEPTalk | DR. E=MC² | SCHOOL NEWS |
| CABLE TV ADVISORY BOARD | CITIZEN'S BUDGET ADVISORY COMMITTEE |

« Email Dan your tip or question. » | « Follow Dan on Twitter. »

WHAT'S HAPPENING

---

• The CLIPS calendar is now hosted by Google Calendar and has moved to the sidebar to the right. For an overview of how Google Calendar works, see my post here.
  
  
• Got an event to publicize? Click here to email me the details.

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

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

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