Same-sex marriages in New Jersey are two weeks away after a judge dismissed the state’s request to prevent weddings until appeals are completed.

Judge Mary C. Jacobson of State Superior Court in Mercer County said the delay violates the equal protection rights for same-sex couples. The state countered by requesting a stay and asked the New Jersey Supreme Court to accelerate the appeals process.

Judge Jacobson also decided the state has not convincingly proven that its appeal would be successful and saw no reason to further delay the marriages. Couples can apply for licenses on October 21 and begin getting married after the three-day waiting period.

It appears to be the decisive blow in a lenghtly political battle. In 2006, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that the state had to grant same-sex couples the same rights as heterosexual couples. The state legislature passed a ball allowing same-sex marriage in 2012 but it was vetoed by Governor Christie, who has been openly against same-sex marriage.

Recent polls have shown around 60 percent of New Jersey residents support same-sex marriage.

The post NJ Same-Sex Marriages Two Weeks Away appeared first on eSecaucus.

New Jersey will hold its General Election on Tuesday but there is little to be decided at the ballot box for Secaucus residents.

Mayor Michael Gonnelli and his Take Back Secaucus ticket is unopposed due to strong support with town. On the larger stage, Governor Chris Christie holds an insurmountable lead in the polls against Democrat challenger Barbara Buono.

Christie has forged a relationship with Gonnelli with multiple visits and remains popular throughout the state. He is widely speculated to be a candidate for President of the United States in 2016.

Governor Christie standing with Mayor Gonnelli at a visit earlier this year. (Photo: Margarita Gianna Raikou)

Despite the lack of competition for Mayor Gonnelli, State Assemblymen Vincet Prieto submitted his endorsement to the Hudson Reporter over the weekend.

Polls will be open from 6:00 am to 8:00 am. Due to the forgone conclusion of the local scene, there will likely be a lower-than-unual turnout at the polls.

There will be a victory celebration for Gonnelli and the councilmen on the Take Back Secaucus ticket at the La Quinta Inn at 350 Lighting Way starting at 7:30 pm on Election Night.

The post Election Tomorrow, Gonnelli Unopposed appeared first on eSecaucus.

Secaucus mayor Michael Gonnelli and three Town Council running mates stormed to victory in Tuesday’s elections as there was no opposition.

Governor Christie standing with Mayor Gonnelli at a Secaucus appearance earlier this year. (Photo: Margarita Gianna Raikou)

Gonnelli received 99.87 percent of the 3,191 votes cast. Councilman Rob Constantino won all but one of the 780 votes cast for Ward 1 councilman,Mark Dehnert received 1,077 of the 1,080 votes for Ward 2 councilman and William McKeever swept all of the 878 votes for Ward 3 councilman.

The “Take Back Secaucus” candidates celebrated their victory with a party at the La Quinta on Lighting Way on Tuesday evening.

In a race that was slight less decided, New Jersey governor Chris Christie rolled to a landslide victory against Democratic challenger Barbara Buono. Christie garnered more than 60 percent of the votes throughout the state, though Buono won nearly 55 percent of the vote in the Hudson County.

All vote totals are accurate as of 5:00 am Eastern Time.

The post Gonnelli Ticket “Wins”, Christie Easily Reelected appeared first on eSecaucus.

Secaucus mayor Michael Gonnelli is furiously denying a report from The New York Times claiming he and other mayors endorsed New Jersey Governor Chris Christie in exchange for pieces of 9/11 wreckage.

On Tuesday, The Times posted an article accusing Christie of presenting pieces of steel from the World Trade Center ”to 20 carefully chosen New Jersey mayors who sat atop a list of 100 whose endorsements Gov. Chris Christie hoped to win.”

Gonnelli was named among the list of mayors and has been thrust into the national media spotlight – even though the article was accusing Christie, not the mayors – of wrongdoing.

“My picture is on Rachel Maddow like I did something wrong,” Gonnelli told The Jersey Journal. “If you think, in September of 2011, I’m thinking about endorsing Christie in 2013, there’s something wrong with you. It just doesn’t make any sense whatsoever.”

The Port Authority and the governor have not commented about the piece, which is the latest in a series of reports accusing Christie of using power to win endorsements.

Gonnelli endorsed Christie in the 2013 election along with the entire Secaucus Town Council based on the governor’s handling of Hurricane Sandy.

Secaucus, which lost three residents in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, has a piece of the World Trade Center wreckage featured at its 9/11 memorial in front of the Secaucus Public Library and Business Resource Center.

Secaucus is one of three Hudson County towns holding school board elections on Wednesday.

The race features four candidates vying for three open seats with only one incumbent – Joseph Lewis – attempting to get re-elected. Lance Bartletta, Ruby Pantoliano and Tom Troyer are pursuing one of the board’s three-year terms as well.

Only 23 school districts in New Jersey are holding elections this week.

The statue of Mahatma Gandhi that will be unveiled in Secaucus on May 31 has drawn criticism from some corners and an emotional response from Mayor Michael Gonnelli.

The statue, which has been donated by local residents and is set to be unveiled on Saturday afternoon, drew a crowd to a recent Town Council meeting as the mayor addressed criticism leveled at him for accepting the gift to the town.

“There has been a lot of negative comments about me accepting this statue on behalf of the people of Secaucus,” said Gonnelli, who has been accused by some of kowtowing to the burgeoning Indian population in Secaucus.

“In this day and age, in this world, in this country, in this town of Secaucus, we’re changing like everybody else,” Gonnelli said. “And to me, everybody is one family. That’s how I look at everybody and that’s how I treat everybody. … In our political careers sometimes you have to make tough decisions. This decision wasn’t tough for me at all.”

Gonnelli’s comments drew applause from the crowd and the mayor was followed by numerous supporters of the statue, including students from Secaucus High School.

The following is a letter from a resident to Mayor Michael Gonnelli submitted to eSecaucus for publication concerning the new statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Secaucus Recreation Center. Mayor Gonnelli addressed the critics in general at a recent Town Council meeting.

The text of the letter follows:

Mike, you didn’t answer my letter. The point I am making is that private donations are influencing how we use public taxpayer land. No one group should influence how taxpayer land is used.

And as for the parade, I did see it and I was very proud. But those of Spanish culture in our town have not erected a statue of “Don Quixote” in front of the library, and the Chinese aren’t planting lotus blossoms around Trolley Park, or the Italians building a Michelangelo statue next to the gazebo.

Don’t they deserve the same amenities as the Indians? Or aren’t they organized well enough or have deep enough pockets to influence these nods to their cultures.

What is going on at the meditation garden isn’t diversity. It’s exclusion. And it’s excluding everyone who isn’t of the Indian culture and it’s being done on taxpayer land. Land that should make everyone feel included. Land that should make people feel proud that we are all different, but we are all united because we are in America.

No one group should have more influence on how taxpayer land is used than any other. And the more varieties of cultures represented in Secaucus, the less reason to cow tow to one group.

I’m sorry, Mike, I respect you…you’ve been a great Mayor, but you’re bending over backwards for one culture and that isn’t diversity. You’re wrong, and this is going to compromise the trust you have enjoyed from fair-minded people.

- Scott

Secaucus is among a group of seven towns that are exempt from paying into the Meadowlands Tax Sharing Program for the 2014-15 fiscal year, according to the state budget recently signed by Governor Chris Christie.

The budget provides $7.3 million of relief for Secaucus, which has openly complained about the Meadowlands Tax Sharing Program in recent years. Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto of Secaucus struck a budget deal with governor.

“We’ve paid over $70 million into this pot, Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli said. “I’m just happy that Assemblyman Prieto is now the Speaker of the Assembly, so he’s in a key position to help us.”

Secaucus contributed more than $2.5 million into the program in 2012.

Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli announced on his Facebook page Sunday that he will take the ALS Ice Bucket challenge tonight.

Gonnelli, who is celebrating his birthday today, announced he will be taking the challenge along with others at the end of Third Avenue, near the Audi dealership. He teased that others would be involved and that the challenge would be done “in a very unique way” in an attempt to raise $1,000 for ALS.

The sposor of the challenge will also be donating $500 to the Secaucus volunteer fire department.

The Ice Bucket Challenge involves dumping a bucket of ice water on your head or donating $100 to the ALS Association. Most participants have chosen to dose themselves as well as donate money to the organization, which has had more than 260,000 new donors give more than $13 million since July 29.

Numerous notable people have done the challenge, including Oprah Winfrey, Chris Christie, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerburg and many more.

As reported on Monday, Secacucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli completed the ALS Ice Bucket challenge last night.

Below is a video of the soaking courtesy of John Flanagan, owner of Flanagan Productions, a local video production company:

Mike Gonnelli – Ice Bucket from Flanagan Productions on Vimeo.

The local Audi dealer sponsored the event and donated $5,000 to the ALS foundation as well as $500 to the Secaucus Volunteer Fire Department.

According to The Jersey Journal, four of Hudson County’s nine delegates to the state legislation support raising New Jersey’s gas tax.

New Jersey has the second-lowest gas tax in the nation at 10.5 cents per gallon. But the state is looking for ways to pump more money into the Transportation Trust Fund in order to repair roads and bridges.

Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto (D-Secaucus) supports the tax raise and say that the state would get $50 million from each penny the tax is increased.

A Port Authority executive has responded to Secaucus mayor Michael Gonnelli’s concerns about the conditions of the agency bus terminal in New York City.

According to the Hudson Reporter, PA Deputy Executive Director Deborah Gramiccioni wrote letter to Gonnelli saying, “We have been working with a heightened attention to address shortcomings with a vigorous maintenance program for critical assets and terminal conditions throughout the building.”

Some commuters are also reporting immediate improvements to the gates that service the Secaucus lines. According to one commuter:

“The area is 100% better and really shows. The filth and excrement are gone … Two people on the bus were talking about and pointing at the improvements.

Nice to see the Port Authority responded so quickly, thanks to the mayor’s forceful critiques.

Today is Election Day throughout the United States, but there is little drama in Secaucus, where three Town Council members are running unopposed.

Incumbents Gary Jeffas, Jim Clancy and Susan Pirro are up for reelection with no opponents. All three are members of the Mayor Michael Gonnelli’s “Take Back Secaucus” party.

On the larger scale, United States Senator Cory Booker is running against Republican challenger Jeff Bell. Recent polls have shown Booker has a sizable lead in the race.

To find your polling location, click here and enter your address.

Even though Secaucus had no contested races, voters turned out on Tuesday to cast ballots for Town Council as well as the New Jersey congressional races.

Incumbents Gary Jeffas, Jim Clancy and Susan Pirro were unopposed and hence re-elected to their Town Council posts. Pirro logged 827 votes in the Ward 3, Clancy garnered 703 in the Ward 2 and Jeffas totaled 658 in Ward 1.

In the statewide races Secaucus residents were able to vote for, Cory Booker (D) scored a relatively easy victory over Republican challenger Jeff Bell for New Jersey’s open Senate seat. Booker scored 78 percent of the vote in Hudson County and 55 percent in the state.

Bill Pascrell won his 10th term serving New Jersey’s 9th District in the U.S. House of Representatives with a victory over Montclair State University professor Deirdre Paul.

Anthony Vainieri Jr. won an easy victory in the race for County Freeholder in the 8th District and fellow Democrat Joseph J. Ryglicki notched a lopsided win for County Surrogate.

In the statewide referendums, voters approved a measure that will allow judges to deny pre-trial release to defendants charged with serious crimes. Voters also supported an amendment allowing business tax money to be used for funding to preserve the state’s environmental space.

Former Secaucus mayor Dennis Elwell has returned home following a 30-month stay in federal prison.

Elwell was found guilty of accepting a bribe from a federal informant in a statewide sting in 2009 and was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in 2011. He returned to his North End home last month, according to a lengthy profile in The Hudson Reporter.

Elwell is interviewed and describes his time in prison, his frustration with the bad food, poor medical care and the mishandling of his early release paperwork.

The article indicates that Elwell may have believed the $10,000 was actually a campaign contribution and that he planned to return the funds. However, he does own up to making mistakes leading to his arrest.

“I made a mistake. When I was told to hold the money, I did. It was a stupid thing to do. I admitted as much on the stand. Some of the money was supposed to go to a charity.”

A Vietnam veteran with no previous record, Elwell was one of 44 public officials arrested on July 23, 2009. The bribe was accepted through Ronald Manzo, who went on to testify against Elwell.

Following last week’s uncontested council elections, The Jersey Journal wrote a piece looking at the future of Secaucus under Mayor Gonnelli’s administration.

The article highlights the most pressing issues facing the town, including zoning restrictions and flood prevention. There are not any bombshells in the piece, although Mayor Gonnelli did indicate he plans to run for reelection in 2017.

“It’s important to keep Secaucus moving forward with a strong sense of community, financial stability, and much needed capital improvements,” said Gonnelli.

Secaucus’ acting Police Chief John Cerny explained his reasons for retiring on Wednesday in a statement that leveled criticism at Mayor Michael Gonnelli and the Town Council.

Cerny asserts that he was not give the official title of Chief of Police because he is being “punished ” due to disagreements with the Mayor.

The full statement from Cerny is as follows:

Acting Police Chief John Cerny
Secaucus Police Department
jcerny@secaucus.net

For Immediate Release

Retirement Statement

For the past 6 months, I have overseen the day to day operations of the Secaucus Police Department by serving as “Acting” Police Chief. During that time we had begun actively pursuing the accreditation process which involves updating our policies and procedures. Once the process is completed, the Town will see a reduction in insurance premiums and higher professional standards will be in place. In addition to accreditation, our officers are now being provided with more training. The Detective Division is conducting proactive investigations, while a staffed Traffic Division is now available to handle traffic safety related issues. Administratively, I had initiated an analysis of our budget as well as overtime expenses in an attempt to cut future costs. A more analytical approach to reviewing crime data was being introduced along with more in-depth statistical reporting. A community relations program was implemented to maintain a strong bond with our citizens. It seems that everyone was satisfied with the progression of the Police Department and my job performance.

In July, I had begun seeking a labor contract. I have been without one since I was promoted to Deputy Police Chief in October 2012. As I approach the completion of 27 years of serving my fellow residents, I was ultimately seeking the official title of Chief of Police. I had offered to defer any salary increase for the remainder of 2014 if given the title. During that time, I constantly heard rumors that a permanent Police Chief was not going to be made because a Public Safety Director was going to be hired. As of the last Council Meeting on November 25^th, I still did not have a contract.  On December 1, 2014 I had filed for retirement, which will become effective on February 1, 2015. I was more than willing to stay if I was named Chief of Police.

On December 3^rd, I met with the Police Committee (Councilman/Police Liaison Gary Jeffas, Councilman James Clancy, and Councilman Wiliam McKeever) and Town Administrator David Drumeler at their request. I was advised, the Mayor and Council were willing to go ahead with pursuing a contract, but were not ready to make a permanent Police Chief.  When asked why, I was ultimately told by Councilman Jeffas that I needed to improve my relationship with the Mayor (Michael Gonnelli).  

 During the past six months, I have interacted with Police Liaison Jeffas and the Police Committee on a regular basis, in an effort to keep them informed regarding Police Department business. Everyone was always satisfied with my job performance which was reiterated in our last meeting on December 3^rd. This was the first time I ever heard of any relationship issue with the Mayor. Whenever the Mayor needs something from the police department, we handle it. This can range from dealing with a traffic related complaint from a citizen, to providing staffing for a Town event. There have been a few occasions where I couldn’t release specific information to the Mayor regarding active investigations, but didn’t see that as a problem.

However, based on the Councilman’s “relationship” comment, it is now clearly evident I am being punished and denied the Chief of Police title due to personnel assignments I made that the Mayor disagreed with. The Police Committee and Town Administrator know the whole story. I would have preferred to stay another 3 to 5 years with the department, but can’t continue working in this environment. I have nothing to hide and am retiring with my integrity. At least I know I have pointed the department in the right direction.

Secaucus mayor Michael Gonnelli’s office issued a statement Thursday responding to acting Police Chief John Cerny’s retirement statement.

Cerny announced his retirement earlier in the week and subsequently released a statement that cited issues with Gonnelli and the Town Council as part of the cause.

Gonnelli’s office responded with a statement of their own, praising Cerny’s tenure while assuring they were simply taking a measured approach to announcing a permanent chief.

The rift is now being widely reported on, with stories appearing in The Record and The Jersey Journal.

The full statement from Gonnelli’s office is as follows:

I am somewhat disheartened that Deputy Chief Cerny has put out a public statement that I believe requires some clarification on our position and to address any rumors and speculation.

It is correct that the Mayor and Town Council are not yet ready to make the decision to appoint a police chief, as the position has only been vacant for 6 months.  Deputy Chief Cerny was given, and had the full power and authority to run the Department as acting chief.  The Council was unaware of any thoughts on retirement until his papers were submitted on December 1^st.  After filing for retirement, as the Deputy Chief stated, an attempt was made to offer him a contract in his acting role to see if he would reconsider, to no avail.   I stand behind my praise of the Deputy Chief for his efforts during his short period as acting chief, as well as my praise for his prior years of leadership.

Regarding the Mayor and Council’s position; in a world where policing is the focus of our everyday news, this governing body wants to make sure that a permanent appointment, which will affect the community for many years to come, is thoughtfully made with a focus on both the department and community.

Statements, pressure or threats cannot form the basis of any decision, particularly one of such great importance and with such a long term impact to the Town.  It is unfortunate that the Deputy Chief chose to retire in such a swift manner, but I can assure all of our residents that we are taking the proper actions to make sure that our police department is continuing to move in the right direction and is not distracted by this in any way.  Over the last 4 years we have added over 18 new police officers to our force, with 5 more on the way.  These new men and women, fresh out of the academy, will need the support from the senior officers to the rank and file, and it is our job to make sure that happens.

On a personal note, I wake up every morning with the same thought in mind, what can I do to make the quality of life better for all who live and work here… that remains my singular focus and goal.

The Secaucus Town Council has named Captain Kevin Flaherty as acting police chief.

Flaherty, a 25-year-veteran of the force, fills the vacancy left by the retirement of John Cerny, who abruptly retired as acting police chief a few weeks ago. The appointment was made following a resolution passed by the Town Council last week.

Cerny’s retirement was unexpected and controversy followed when he released a statement seemingly blaming Mayor Michael Gonnelli and the Town Council for his departure. The mayor’s office responded with a statement that praised Cerny and denied forcing him out.

Flaherty said he shares similar views with Cerny regarding the future of the department and intends to continue the previous chief’s policies.

The Hudson Reporter released its list of the 25 most influential people in Hudson County and a pair of Secaucus personalities are featured prominently.

Secaucus native and assemblyman Vincent Prieto placed fifth on the list behind Senator Robert Menendez, Governor Chris Christie, Jersey City mayor Steven Fullop, and North Bergen mayor Nicholas Sacco.

According to The Hudson Reporter, Prieto is fifth “because of the number of bills he has introduced that have impact countywide, including bills that would restore some Urban Enterprise Zone funding, expand the Hudson Bergen Light Rail, and defend PATH services against cuts by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.”

Mayor Michael Gonnelli was 12th on the list, trailing only the mayors of Jersey City, North Bergen, Union City and and Weehawken in the county.

The Hudson Reporter says Gonnelli, “will have a significant say in the upcoming plans to consolidate that commission with the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, which oversees off-track wagering facilities in Bayonne as well as elsewhere. Gonnelli’s persistent lobbying on his own tax related issues could also help put control of Liberty State Park under the new Meadowlands Regional Commission.”

In addition, “Gonnelli has encouraged a bevy of community events and festivals to give the county’s most suburban community a folksy flavor.”