GUEST OPINION: NJ Second Fastest Warming State in US

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently released their

State of the Climate

report. The report showed above- to much-above-average autumn temperatures from the Gulf Coast to the Mid-Atlantic region. New Jersey is listed in the top 10 fastest-warming states in the country, with warming trends strongest along the coast. Atlantic City temperatures were the 6th warmest recorded temperatures in that area of the state this

November.

“This new report is alarming and shows that things are getting worse faster. New Jersey is one of the fastest-warming states in the country while also being one of the states most vulnerable to climate change impacts. This is downright scary because New Jersey does not see the sense of urgency and is doing very little about it. We are seeing climate impacts every day with chronic flooding, storm surges, and sea level rise. Water pollution and rising temperatures have led to algal blooms closing our biggest lakes, like Lake Hopatcong, and invasive clinging jellyfish overtaking our waterways like Barnegat Bay,” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club. “This report is even more alarming because even though Trump denies climate change his administration is releasing reports showing dramatic climate change impacts. NOAA is standing up and doing their job. The fact that this report comes from the Trump administration should be an alarm bell going off.”

The report shows that New Jersey has the second highest average temperatures after Rhode Island, with an increase in average temperatures by 3.49 degrees compared with the 20th-century norm. Delaware and New Jersey were tied for highest increase in average temperatures in the contiguous United States over a five-year period ending this past October. Central and South Jersey counties have some of the highest temperature increases in the region. Almost all NJ counties had temperature increases over 3 degrees. Atlantic County had the highest warming of any other counties at 3.3 degrees.

“New Jersey’s temperatures have already increased by 3.5 degrees and will only continue to go up, and we have the highest short-term warming trends. These temperature increases leave New Jersey more vulnerable to flooding and fires. The Pinelands are extremely at risk for wildfires because of climate change, leading to more dislocation of species. A recent Zillow report shows that we are top three in the nation for developing homes in risk zones. DEP released a report projecting sea levels rising anywhere from 5.0 to 8.8 feet by 2100, which is alarming because our barrier islands are only 3 feet above sea level. All the reports are pointing to extreme climate impacts, but we are still building in vulnerable areas,” said Tittel. “This is the umpteenth report coming out about climate change, and the Murphy Administration are still not hearing it.”

There have been multiple recent reports showing how vulnerable New Jersey is to climate change impacts. A few weeks ago, the Department of Environmental Protection released a study projecting dramatic sea-level rise in New Jersey of up to 8.8 feet over 2000 levels by 2100. A different study based on data from the Union of Concerned Scientists shows New Jersey with 9 communities among those in the nation with the greatest percentage of homes at risk of chronic flooding by 2060 and 2100.

“We are still building in vulnerable areas and granting permits under Christie-era regulations that don’t protect against climate change or storm impacts. Some of the worst areas for flood risk are in Ocean County where they are just growing and building. Other areas in New Jersey like Cape May County, Monmouth County, Avalon, and more have built the most new houses in risk zones in the nation,” said Tittel. “Governor Murphy signed an Executive Order for a statewide climate change resiliency plan but with no implementation. It is not strong enough when it comes to being prepared and stronger than the next storm. Now that the Murphy administration have more facts on the imminent danger of sea level rise and climate impacts, they need to do something about it.”

We’re already seeing the impacts of climate change in NJ and it’s getting worse. Fish are already living in storm-drains in LBI. Some roads go underwater every time there’s a full moon and we’re losing coastal wetlands at an alarming rate. According to the Washington Post, New Jersey is one of the fastest-warming states in the nation. Its average temperature has climbed by close to 2 degrees Celsius since 1895 — double the average for the Lower 48 states.

“There are some direct and immediate actions that the Murphy Administration can take in the meantime to begin strengthening NJ. Murphy can create a cabinet level committee to coordinate all agencies in coastal resiliency and reducing greenhouse gasses. This includes updating all state regulations to include climate impacts, re-doing the Water Supply Master Plan, and using up-to-date data in our mapping and planning, and buying out flood prone properties,”said Tittel. “The Murphy Administration need to move forward on strengthening important water protections and regulations including the Flood Hazard Rules, Water Quality Management Planning Rules, CAFRA and Wetlands.”

Climate change is happening and happening even faster. UN Climate Report warns of a global tipping point by 2030 so it is even more important to reduce greenhouse gases as quickly as we can. Our state has the ability to regulate greenhouse gasses but has yet to do so. If the DEP were to begin regulating, including a moratorium on new fossil fuel projects, we could prevent making climate impacts worse.

“In order to fight climate change by reducing greenhouse gasses, we must take bold action against fossil fuels. That is why Governor Murphy must put in place a moratorium on all new fossil fuel projects. There are over a dozen fossil fuel projects proposed in New Jersey that would increase GHGs by over 32%. We need to be focusing on renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, that does not release harmful pollution that exacerbate the effects of climate change,” said Tittel. “Governor Murphy talks a lot about climate change, but other states are running circles around him. Gov. Cuomo and Gov. Inslee are going 100% carbon free by 2040 and by 2030. Eight states are going 100% renewable by 2050, even states with Republican governors like Maryland, Vermont, and Mass. are moving quicker on electric vehicles and regulating CO2.”

The Trump Administration is making our situation worse by attacking the environment and climate change protections on a national level. He has weakened 24 air pollution rule. He pulled the United States out of the Paris Agreement and disbanded the Advisory Committee for the Sustained National Climate Assessment. He also revoked Obama-era orders to make infrastructure and building standards incorporate sea level rise and flooding projections. He has eliminated the Clean Power Plan, revoked the California Clean Waiver Rule, and increased limits on methane leaks.

“Study after study are showing that New Jersey is one of the most vulnerable states on the East Coast, if not in the nation. It is clear that New Jersey is Ground Zero for climate change between sea levels rising a projected 5 to 8.8 feet, 4,524 homes in a 10-year risk zone, and a 3.49 degree temperature increase. Our state is still dragging its feet and we must take extreme actions to plan for climate change and sea level rise. We need real action from Governor Murphy, not more press releases and executive orders. We must stop offshore drilling, unnecessary pipelines, and fossil fuel expansion by committing to 100% renewable energy by 2050,” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club. “Nature is already planning for us with flood after flood. We need to act and act now. We must build a green wall around New Jersey to fight back against climate change and protect us from the next storm.”

Feds Give NJ Families Nearly $2Million to Help Them Reach Self-Sufficiency

Federal funding to support education and employment among HUD-assisted families

See local funding chart below

NEW JERSEY – U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson today awarded more than $79 million to nearly 700 public housing authorities across the country. In New Jersey, HUD awarded $1,925,793.00 to 24 public housing authorities and local agencies. These funds will help residents of public housing and voucher-assisted housing increase their earned income and reduce their dependency on public assistance and rental subsidies.

Read more about the local impact of the grants announced today

Funded through HUD’s

Family Self-Sufficiency Program(FSS)

, these grants enable public housing agencies (PHAs) to collaborate with social service agencies, community colleges, businesses, and other local partners to help participants further their education, gain marketable skills, and otherwise increase their income potential through new employment or by advancing in their current workplace.“Helping people find jobs that will put them on the path to self-sufficiency is at the core of HUD’s mission,” said HUD Secretary Ben Carson. “HUD is committed to working with our local partners to connect families with the opportunities and support they need to succeed at every level.”

“The FSS program is a data-proven vehicle that has helped thousands of HUD-assisted families achieve financial independence,” said Lynne Patton, HUD Regional Administrator for New York and New Jersey. “I am thrilled that this Administration has dedicated $8 million to help advance low-income residents New York & New Jersey and ensure that they receive the guidance and resources necessary to usher them into a self-sufficient New Year!”

HUD’s FSS Program funding helps local public housing authorities to hire Service Coordinators who work directly with residents to connect them with existing programs and services in the local community. These Service Coordinators build relationships with networks of local service providers, who provide direct assistance to FSS participants. The broad spectrum of services made possible through FSS enables participating families to find jobs, increase earned income, reduce or eliminate the need for rental and/or welfare assistance, and make progress toward achieving economic independence and housing self-sufficiency.

Participants in the program sign a five-year contract requiring the head of the household to obtain employment. In addition, no member of the FSS family may have received cash welfare assistance for twelve months prior to program graduation. Families in the FSS program have an interest-bearing escrow account established for them. The amount credited to the family’s escrow account is based on increases in the family’s earned income during the term of the FSS contract. FSS participants who successfully complete the requirements of their FSS contract receive the escrow funds upon completion and are able to apply those funds to advance their personal circumstances, including, for example, paying educational expenses or making a down-payment on a home.

For more information on the successes of the FSS program, please see

FSS Celebrates 25 Years! 25 Years of the Family Self-Sufficiency Program: Families Working, Families Prospering

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HUD’s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all.

More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet

www.hud.gov

and

https://

espanol.hud.gov

Bonnie Sue Howell of Gloucester City

Ooh boop be doo… Laugh in the sunshine, kiss in the rain, celebrate the happiness, learn from the pain. Live, laugh, love and forget. Life’s too short to live with regrets. Bonnie Sue Howell was a thunderstorm wrapped in beauty looking to be felt and understood in a world that loves sunny days. She was both hellfire and holy water who did it right. She wept, laughed, loved and lived. On Sunday December 22, 2019 Bonnie Sue passed away… and, now we remember.

Bonnie was born in Chester County, PA. She had been a long time Gloucester City Resident who was well known as “Mom” before moving to the Jersey Shore. She had worked as a waitress over the years and was an emphatic Betty Boop fan who will be fondly remembered as a wonderful mother.

Bonnie Sue leaves to cherish her memory, her sons; Michael and Russel & his wife Cheryl Ann Gellura. She is the proud grandmother of April Dawn Gellura, Danika, Erica and Damien Morgan. Bonnie is also survived and will be sadly missed by her sisters; Diane, Rene, Regina and Linda.

The time honored tradition of reuniting those we love with nature was held privately at Creran Celebration Etherington & Creran Funeral Homes 700 Powell St. Gloucester City. As an expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation – Parkinson\’s Charity, Grand Central Station P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY 10163-4777

www.michaeljfox.org

Former Republican Robert Turkavagex Announces Run for NJ Second District CongressionalSeat

Today, I am announcing that I intend to seek the support of the Democratic Party to be their nominee for the United States House of Representatives for the Second District of New Jersey.

Two weeks ago, after almost a lifetime of affiliation with the Republican Party, I changed my

Robert Turkavagex

party affiliation from Republican to Democrat. A number of events over the past few years made this change unavoidable. First, the GOP, long regarded as a staunch defender of fiscal responsibility, bears primary responsibility for the 3.1 trillion increase in our national debt since 2017, accomplished largely through tax cuts to even the wealthiest of Americans. Second, President Trump, the GOP’s leader, has relentlessly attacked the pillars of our democracy that have served our country well for over 200 years. His attacks on the press, our election process, and the courts have inflicted mistrust and hatred of these institutions on a scale that our adversaries could only hope to inflict. Third, law enforcement could always count on the GOP as a reliable partner, yet the GOP remained silent as its leader urged non-cooperation with law enforcement investigations, and labeled law enforcement cooperators as “rats”. Fourth, the accuracy of reporting by our intelligence agencies has been repeatedly questioned by President Trump while alleged intelligence provided to him by our Russian adversary is routinely accepted at face value. Fifth, the law granting amnesty to 3 million undocumented immigrants signed by a Republican president in 1986, was replaced by a policy of separating children from parents charged with misdemeanor violations of immigration laws. The absence of GOP outrage over this policy was an abomination.

On matters of national security, President Reagan’s GOP forged strong relationships with our allies and confronted our adversaries. Trump’s GOP has gone in the opposite direction. First, Trump has repeatedly disparaged our closest allies, the same allies who came to our defense following the September 11 attacks. Second, in both Syria and the Ukraine, the US has abandoned or inhibited the efforts of allies actively engaged in warfare with our adversaries; allies who sacrificed their lives to prevent terrorists or adversaries from bringing the fight to the US. Lastly, members of the GOP, without exception, defended President Trump as he faced allegations that he conditioned a White House visit and foreign aid to a promise from a foreign nation that they would announce an investigation on the President’s political adversary. Collectively, the above events and others not mentioned here, made me realize that the Republican Party which I proudly admired and supported for many years was no more. As I see it, the Republican Party left me; I did not leave the Republican Party.

Even though my party affiliation has changed, my positions on the issues have not. National Security has always been, and remains my top concern. To the delight of our adversaries, President Trump’s immigration policy has caused many Americans to view immigration as the preeminent national security threat. I disagree. The threats posed by Hypersonic weapons being developed by Russia and China, and the lack of cybersecurity as it pertains to our missile defense systems and our electrical grid pose a far greater risk to our security than immigration lawbreakers. One week ago, the Washington DC publication “The Hill” published an OPED I authored entitled “The less hyped, but More Realistic Threats to our National Security”. This article “connects the dots”, in that it identifies the vulnerabilities in the above systems and provides evidence of adversaries who have sought to exploit these vulnerabilities. This article is a “must” read for any person concerned about national security.

The issue of undocumented immigrants in the US, however, must be addressed. As with all laws, law enforcement cannot decide for themselves which immigration laws to enforce, and immigrants cannot decide which immigration laws they choose to obey. On the other hand, our courts have been solicitous of defendants’ pleas for mercy when there is an acceptance of responsibility by the defendant. With this in mind,

on January 7, 2020,

I will unveil a two-pronged proposal that will identify an existing legal mechanism by which under certain circumstances, undocumented immigrants will be permitted to obtain legal status in the US. Secondarily, the proposal will provide a mechanism by which the penalty imposed on the immigrant may be lessened/eliminated should the immigrant assist the government in identifying other criminal activity of which he/she may be aware.

Now to taxes. In 2017, after studying the long-term effects of the Reagan and Bush tax cuts, I wrote an article in The Hill (“Tax Cuts: Haven’t we been down this road before”) that the Trump tax plan, contrary to Administration claims, would not have a long-term measurable effect on GDP, and would instead “bust out” the debt. Moreover, although a reduction in corporate tax rates was justified, the newly enacted tax law was not accompanied by an offsetting elimination of many corporate tax loopholes. Last, but most important, many Americans were, and will continue to be financially harmed by long-term investment decisions (i.e., home purchase) made, based on the assumption of a static tax code that was upended in 2017. On

January 21, 2020

, I will unveil a position paper which, among other things, will call for the restoration of previous tax rates for certain high-income taxpayers; restoration of certain deductions eliminated in the 2017 tax law, and a change in the tax treatment of certain items of income.

February 2020,

I will offer a position paper on steps I believe are necessary to insure the solvency of the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) and the Disability Insurance (DI) trust funds. Also, in

February 2020,

I will offer a position paper on Health Care, it being noted I fully support continued insurance coverage of pre-existing medical conditions, and am opposed to “Medicare for All”. In

March 2020,

I will offer a position paper on matters affecting our Veterans.

At the time I announced my candidacy for Congress in 2018, I mentioned that virtually all sectors (Financial, Oil and Gas, Pharmaceutical, etc.,) of our economy were well-served by lobbyists in Washington D.C., but that there was no measurable lobbying effort working on behalf of our children. I also noted at that time that if I had the opportunity to serve as your Congressman I would legislate as though I were the lobbyist for your children and mine. I noted then that every vote I cast would be weighed against three benchmarks: Is it good for my constituents? Is it good for my country? And most importantly is it good for our children? Like my positions on the issues, that pledge to you has not changed with the passage of time.

God Bless America.

Robert Turkavagex

Opportunity New Jersey Calls for Businesses and Government Leaders to Enact Positive Change

Opportunity New Jersey is calling on the Garden State’s business and government leaders to get New Jersey on the path to job growth and affordability.

“It’s a new year, an election year, and the start of a new decade,” said Opportunity New Jersey (ONJ) co-chairs Tom Bracken and Michele Siekerka in a joint statement. “We have a Plan for an Affordable New Jersey and look forward to working with the Governor’s office, and the offices of our Senate and Assembly leadership, to put it into action.”

Bracken (President and CEO of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce) and Siekerka (President and CEO of the New Jersey Business and Industry Association) rolled out the Plan in mid-2019, and announced the formation of an Economic Development and Advisory Council as a key tenet of the Plan’s implementation. The Council, which includes business, education, and labor representatives from throughout the state, held its inaugural meeting this past fall.

“From addressing fiscally challenged and outdated legacy systems, to stimulating job growth and investments in our state, our Plan is a roadmap to stability and prosperity in our region,” said Bracken and Siekerka, adding that New Jersey currently has among the highest personal and business taxes in the nation. “With all the extraordinary assets and advantages our state has to offer, there is no reason why we shouldn’t lead our peer states in job growth, wage growth, and business competitiveness throughout the Northeast.”

Those interested in reviewing the Plan for an Affordable New Jersey, and signing up for the group’s newsletter, can visit

www.opportunitynj.org

to learn more.

“We are concerned, but also optimistic about the prospect of real progress in 2020 and beyond,” said Bracken and Siekerka. “On behalf of the Opportunity NJ steering committee, the Economic Development and Advisory Council, and all our dedicated colleagues, we extend our best wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year in New Jersey.”

St. Vincent DePaul Society and Knights of Columbus support local neighbors in need for Christmas

admin

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BERLIN, NJ–Local Neighbors-in-need in the St. Simon Stock Parish area are provided with Christmas Food Bags of ingredients for a holiday dinner. Seniors and Veterans at Veterans Haven receive gift cards. Elementary age children in our families-in-need of food assistance receive toys!

St. Simon Stock Conference of

St. Vincent de Paul Society

and the

Archangel Knights of Columbus Council 7429

have collected food, toys and gift cards from parishioners, people, and businesses in our community. A total of 148 families have signed up with 317 of those receiving toys for their children, 99 veterans gifts, 44 senior gifts, $1365 in money donations and approximately $18,400 given in gifts.

They distributed these food bags, gift cards and toys on Saturday, December 21, 2019. Their parish service area includes Albion, Berlin Borough, Clementon, Pine Hill and West Berlin Township. Thank you to all of our Vincentian and Knight Members, volunteers and donors for sharing the spirit of caring and giving to others during this Joyous Season!

Bomb Threat at Voorhees Middle School

VOORHEES TWP. NJ (January 2, 2020:

On Thursday, January 2nd, 2020 at approximately 11:09 am, Voorhees Police was made aware of a bomb threat at the Voorhees Middle School on Holly Oak Drive.

Voorhees Police coordinated with school personnel to evacuate students and staff. K9 teams from the Camden County Sheriff’s Department and surrounding jurisdictions were used to assist with a search of the school, which was subsequently rendered safe. The on-scene investigation was turned over to Detectives from our Criminal Investigation Bureau.

If you have any information to report, please contact Voorhees Police at 856-428-5400 or use our tip line at

media@vtpd.com

Apparent Murder-Suicide in Burlington Township Under Investigation

January 2, 2020

Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina and Burlington Township Public Safety Director Bruce Painter announced that an apparent murder-suicide is being investigated at a Burlington

Township apartment complex.

The bodies of Kristopher Corry, 30, and Tianna Drummond, 28, were discovered inside of their unit at the Willow Pointe Apartments on Salem Road at approximately 8:45 a.m. today by Burlington Township police officers who were asked by a neighbor to conduct a wellness check.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the decedents were in a relationship.

The case is being investigated by detectives from the Burlington Township Police Department and the Prosecutor’s Office.

Autopsies will be performed by Burlington County Medical Examiner Dr. Ian Hood. More information will be released as it becomes available.

Francis L. Clancy, of Bellmawr age 60

Francis L. Clancy, on January 1, 2020, of Bellmawr. Age 60.

Beloved husband of Carolina (nee Reyes) for 34 years. Devoted father of Brian Clancy (Danyelle) and Sean Clancy. Loving Pop Pop of Conan Joseph. Loving son of Leona (nee Alsdorf) and the late Francis Clancy. Dear brother of Stella Clancy and William Clancy. Also survived by cousins.

There will be a viewing from 1 to 3pm Sunday afternoon at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, RUNNEMEDE.

Service and interment private.

Family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Frank’s memory to Alzheimer’s Assoc., 3 Eves Dr., Suite 310, Marlton, NJ 08053 or to Camden County Animal Shelter, 125 County House Rd., Blackwood, NJ 08012.

Two Suspects Involved in Home Invasion in Gloucester Township; Home Owner Murdered

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP NJ –Rosealee Gomez, 36, of Franklinville, NJ, and Chamberlin Robinson, 41, of Vineland, NJ, were each charged in connection with a home invasion in Gloucester Township. Gomez was charged with one count of Felony Murder and Burglary, and Robinson was charged with one count of Murder, according to Acting Camden County Prosecutor Jill S. Mayer and Gloucester Township Police Chief David Harkins.

On October 23, 2019, at approximately 9:50 p.m., the Gloucester Township Police Department responded to reports of shots fired on Yorkshire Road in Gloucester Township. When officers arrived, they located the victim, Kevin Carter, 26, of Gloucester Township, on the ground suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. During the course of the investigation, detectives learned that Kevin Carter was killed during an alleged home invasion.

Rosalee Gomez was apprehended by the United States Marshals Service (USMS) at her residence in Franklinville on December 31, 2019. She was remanded to the Camden County Jail pending a pretrial detention hearing. Chamberlin Robinson is currently being held in the Cumberland County Jail on an unrelated matter.

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing. Authorities are still seeking additional information.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Jeremy Jankowski at (856) 580-5950 or Gloucester Township Police Detective Scott Obermier at (856) 228-4500.

Information may also be emailed to

ccpotips@ccprosecutor.org

All persons charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Released Thursday, January 2, 2020.