How did the Republicans get my phone number?

I thought the Republican Party would stop calling my house after I advised the last campaigner that butchering my last name in both mailings and over the phone will never win my vote. Spaggio -- really?

This time they sent a robot. The auto tron wanted to know who I would vote for in the Republican primary for New Jersey governor.

"For Chris Christie press one." The first thing that popped in my head was a Rob Tornoe cartoon. (See my favorite at the right.)

After they listed Steve Lonegan and some other forgettables, I pressed the key for "still undecided." That was the closest option to the truth since Stephen Colbert wasn't an option.

Ms. GOPtron then all but begged me to vote for Christie -- I wonder who paid for this telephone call -- but then it was over. I kind of wished it worked more like one of those online quizes where I can go back and pick a different answer to get a new response.

The Christie-lover poll and others like it tell a lot about the candidates.

Positions seekers are so focused on what interests them -- numbers -- that they give up the chance to find out what is important to me, which they would need to know to get my vote.

I'd like to say it's my vote they want, but I don't think that would be accurate. They just want to add a tally to a board, and sometimes the people who put it there are lost in the shuffle.

I fear that for the Republicans why I vote for a candidate is even less important. Because all they need to do is convince me not to vote for Gov. Jon Corzine, and they win. They have some material, but judging from that last phone call, they might not have the resources to hire people to do it right.

Which number do I punch for some new candidates?

Is that a little light?

As newspapers continue to close their doors and more reporters are sent packing, The Huffington Post is taking a different avenue that could just be a saving grace: Hiring investigative journalists.

According to an AP story I read Monday night, the HP plans to hire a slew of investigative journalists, which would save a few reporters from the unemployment line. Word is that the first assignments would be about the economy.

This is an especially important topic because, as some have already pointed out, some major companies in the U.S. are getting a pretty good deal from subsidies and such. Since those companies own the major media outlets, a lot of things are not really being reported.

Some people question journalism that is backed by corporations or the government, but keep in mind that most organizations are owned by a major corporation already, so it's not like we have a free standing system now. The system simply needs to evolve in order to survive.

So, keep an eye out for some of those different media sources, that's where I'll be looking.

I have the solution! (Thanks Mr. Ultra Conservative for your help)

After hearing "Poker Face" for the fifth time during my drive into work today, I decided to give 101.5 a try. It's been awhile since I gave the Jersey Guys a listen, and I thought it prudent to tune in to what they think we think is important.

The ultra conservative one was ranting and raving about how he doesn't care if sex offenders have any place to live, which was obviously his attempt at discussing the case before the Supreme Court regarding municipal restrictions on residences for sex offenders.

More than 100 municipalities have enforced some sort of residency restriction for sex offenders within their borders in NJ alone. But, as one of the town's attorneys admitted in court today, the ordinances directly contradict a state law. Megan's Law does require sex offenders to register, and different levels of offenders are treated differently. But the only reason the register system works is because housing is not supposed to be denied to these people once they are released from prison.

Now, I think a lot of people are taking the not-in-my-back-yard approach to this one. And that is understandable. But there is a bigger thing going on here, and I think it is important to get past the emotions to really see the debate.

On one hand, the legislators passed a state law, and municipalities are expected to abide by that law, just like any other. But, as ultra conservative pointed out, the people who made those laws are not living in the same neighborhoods as these offenders. Ex-cons tend to live in lower- to maybe middle-class neighborhoods -- not in mansions with bee farms or and horses.

This is supposed to be a country of the people, but there is one excellent example of the elite running our world for us. My solution: Put it on the ballot. Let voters come out and say what they want to happen here. Because, ultimately, we are the ones who have to live with the decision, not the bigwigs on the hill.

How the APP's coverage of Highlands ruined my breakfast

I was disappointed this morning when I ran outside to pick up my New York Times and there was no blue bag on my driveway. I must need to reorder my subscription -- no big deal.

I figured I would give the Asbury Park Press a glance. "It's good to keep up with the local news," I told myself.

As I leafed through one Associated Press article after another, and deemed it last night's AP wire on paper, I figured it was better than nothing. Until I hit the "local news" section. At the very bottom of B1 I see "Highlands vows to cut off funding for business partnership."

Anyone accustomed with Highlands politics would not have been surprised to read that. I haven't been there for months but knew cuts were coming to the HBP after the Dems took control during the last election.

However, the APP's article comically displayed the news by its lack of information. They were quick to quote Carla, the president, and a few HBP supporters, but where were the people who have opposed the HBP for more than a year?

"Business owners pleaded with council members for more than an hour to keep the HBP budget."

I did actually laugh out loud after reading that line before quickly turning to B3 for the conclusion of this fanciful tale. By business owners, did they mean Carla and whomever she dragged there to argue with the Dems, who she has long opposed, for an hour? Oh, and an hour is really not notable when talking about Highlands. I have seen people carry on for at least that long about a road sign, but I digress.

"The HBP sponsors about 10 public events."

Really? Because the only events I remember Carla requesting free advertising for were the ClamFest, the holiday tree lighting and I think there was something for July 4th.

OK, that's enough poking fun at the APP's view of happenings in town. I don't have anything against the HBP. I think some sort of business improvement organization is a great idea, but so is constant change. The HBP leadership has been buddy-buddy with the reining GOP in town for a long time, and things were obviously going change this year. Is it fair to cry about "pure politics" only when it is not in your favor?

As for me, I'm going to reorder my New York Times subscription.

Your tax dollars at work

Towns and counties are struggling with the increase of taxes on already burdened residents in order to keep essential services. The Garden State has claimed similar stresses and its leaders have even proposed some painful cuts and measures to "fix" Jersey's financial situation.

But, fortunately, they managed to find the funds to put together this nifty video, which I can only label as an artist's rendering.

I could not find a link to this inspirational video, which was passed on to me, on the state Department of Transportation Web site, however the link does share the URL. As you will see, its symbol is dramatically shown in the beginning.

Further, anyone who has sat in Highlands Borough hall will recognize the DOT artist's work a mile away. (I think my favorite part is the shot from the water over the bridge -- maybe that's a bird's point of view!)

I ask you residents, tourists and neighbors, have you ever felt so peaceful about a construction project that has rocked your coast for more than a year?

Looking for St. Pat's fun?

Jersey Bites posted an article about some spots for Irish grub tonight. Check it out if you haven't figured out your plans just yet.

For those of you in Monmouth County, there is always The Dublin House, in Red Bank, or The Claddagh, in Highlands. The Claddagh has this great Irish whiskey from what I remember, but I think the Sugar Shack started carrying it too, just in case Claddagh is full.

Know of another great spot for Irish festivities? Leave a comment here.

Schools see some dough

Monmouth County taxpayers will most likely hear about increases in the school taxes this year.

However, Gov. Corzine recently announced the distribution of some funds that could be helpful.

Seven of the county's 53 districts are slated to receive funds from the state's Round 1 grant program. The county should see about $5.2 million, to be matched by $7.7 million from the locals, this round.

That is about 2.9 percent of the state's cash allocated for this purpose. Comparing us to the extremes, Salem only received .01 percent and Ocean garnered 17.2 percent.

This is the breakdown for the county:



Most of the schools are using the money for capital maintenance or renovation. Hazlet seems to be getting new windows.

Matawan-Aberdeen seemed to take the prize as far as funds go, which is great because they need it. I just wonder where they are going to get the $2.9 million to match the grant. Seeing as Matawan is basically taxed out, and they have a history of failing the district's budgets, my guess is they will bond. It's not the best way to go, but keep in mind that the school probably would not be able to afford the repairs without the money from the state. For instance, they had already pushed off the roof repair at the Cambridge school last year, because the voters failied the budget.

For all the details, check out the breakdown. Check out pages 34 to 36 for the details of the projects in Monmouth.

Other schools still have time to file applications for Round 2, according to officials.