Delaware

GOP County Chair Rita Shade told municipal leaders this week she will not seek a fifth term in June.

"I am privileged to work with so many good people who devote themselves to honest government in Salem County," said Shade. "I am grateful for their support and confidence. But there are personal considerations that I need and want to turn my attention to that will diminish the time I have available to the duties of Chair. By letting the organization know my intentions now, it will allow for a smooth transition in leadership."

She said the increasing demands of her position as Town Manager of Newport, Delaware, which is undertaking a multi-faceted community development project, requires considerable time away from Salem County.

"Also, my career and being Chair leaves little time for family. I assumed the Chair as my sons were getting ready for college. In May, they will both be home, having graduated. We always have a lot of fun together, and I enjoy my role as Mom. But right now, a mouse would go snow-blind in my refrigerator.�

Leading an organization and the demands of campaigns require full attention and commitment, and “I would not want to give you less,� she told the municipal leaders..

“I have a deep sense of loyalty to the Salem County Republican Organization. I know all too well the sacrifices made by our elected officials, local leaders, candidates, and volunteers. But I also know there are very capable people who can step into the role of Chair and continue the good work of our organization.�

KYRILLOS CALLS FOR INCREASED AID TO SUBURBAN DISTRICTS

Senator Joseph Kyrillos, (R-13), issued the following remarks regarding the inequities in New Jersey’s school funding procedures following his vote in the affirmative for Senate Resolution 13. SR-13 calls on the Congress and the President of the United States to increase aid to school districts to help them compensate for the higher price of fuel this winter.

Just a short sampling of what's on the Legislature's plate these days: State Senator Martha Bark and Assemblyman Ronald Dancer have sponsored legislation that "prohibits the slaughter of horses and sale of horseflesh for human consumption." Assemblymen Peter Biondi and Christopher Bateman want to make it a crime for someone to marry or have sexual relations with their brother, sister, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew. Assemblymen Francis Bodine and Larry Chatzidakis want to make the "theft of human remains for unauthorized use crime of first degree." Assemblymen Guy Gregg and Herb Conaway have a bi-partisan measure that "establishes sexual penetration or sexual contact with an animal as a crime." Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula introduced a resolution in January 2006 designating "September 2004 as Handwashing Awareness Month in New Jersey and memorializes the Governor to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the State to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies and activities." The very patriotic Assemblymen from the 26th district, Alex DeCroce and Joseph Pennachio, want a law that "requires flags of US and NJ to be displayed at or near major highway entrances to the State" -- perhaps so people from Delaware, Pennsylvania and New York don't doubt New Jersey's national pride. Assemblyman Mims Hackett is the sponsor of the potentially landmark "Tattooing and Body Piercing Practice Act." Four Assemblymen -- David Mayer, Robert Gordon, Douglas Fisher and Paul Moriarty -- want the "Motor Vehicle Commission to create a yellow and blue version of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) license plate." What about FOP members who have "a previously issued non colored FOP plate"? No worries. They "may choose to exchange the plates for the newer version." Senator Sharpe James wants to "require school districts receiving at least 51% of net budget through State aid to adopt dress code." State Senators Robert Martin and Joseph Doria propose amending the Senate rules to allow Senators to specifically abstain on a vote, rather than cast no vote at all. "Passage of the resolution would require hardware and software changes to the Senate's electronic voting system. An "abstain" button would need to be added to each Senator's desk and a third "abstain" column would need to be added to the voting boards together with appropriate wiring and software changes." One popular idea is legislation sponsored or co-sponsored by twenty legislators that requires "general hospitals that employ residents" to impose a limit of "an average of 80 hours per week over a four-week period" -- a policy instituted earlier this season on the ABC series "Grey's Anatomy." And finally, Assemblywoman Alison McHose has sponsored legislation that "establishes an annual solar photovoltaic manufacturing incentive grant program." This website isn't quite sure what that is, although watching McHose explain it to some of her colleagues has to be worth watching.

BURZICHELLI WELCOMES SPECIAL MASTER
IN BORDER DISPUTE WITH DELAWARE

Ridgewood -- Former Clinton Administration official Paul Aronsohn officially announced today his candidacy for the congressional seat in New Jersey's fifth district.

TRENTON - A bill sponsored by Senators Paul Sarlo and Stephen Sweeney that would encourage interstate collaboration among the Mid-Atlantic region in promoting technology was approved by the Senate today.

The bill, S-2703, would ratify the Strengthening the Mid Atlantic Region for Tomorrow (SMART) Research and Development Compact. The Compact would establish a collaborative Science and Technology Organization to promote cooperation and information exchange across the Mid-Atlantic region.

ADLER SMOKING BAN ADVANCES IN SENATE

TRENTON - The Senate today approved a bill, sponsored by Senator John H. Adler, to ban smoking in bars, restaurants and in all indoor places except casino gaming floors.

BURZICHELLI CHEERS LATEST VICTORY IN DELAWARE BORDER DISPUTE
Assemblyman Pleased By Supreme Court Decision to Hear Case;
Says Border Should Be Based on Democratic Principles, Not King Charles II Edict

FOR RELEASE: CONTACT:
October 31, 2005 Assemblyman Fisher
(856) 455-1011
Senator Sweeney Assemblyman Burzichelli
(856) 455-1011 (856) 251-9801

TOUGHER OIL SPILL FINES BECOME LAW
Fisher/Burzichelli/Sweeney Measure Imposes Stiffer Penalties
For Shipping Companies That Spill Hazardous Substances into New Jersey Waters

(BRIDGETON) -- A new environmental protection law championed by Assemblymen Douglas H. Fisher and John J. Burzichelli and Senator Stephen M. Sweeney (all D-Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem) will increase financial penalties by a whopping 800 percent for oil transport and shipping companies that are culpable for spills harming New Jersey waterways.

Codey Signs Bill to Increase Vessel Owner Liability for Spills