Joe Egan

ASSEMBLY APPROVES ‘JOBS TRADE AND DEMOCRACY ACT’

Measure Would Reinforce Legislature’s Role in Decisions to Bind New Jersey To International Trade Agreements

(TRENTON) – The Assembly today approved legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Joseph Egan that would ensure New Jersey citizens and legislators have access to information on the impact of international trade policy on the state economy.

The bill (A-2754) clearly establishes the role of the Legislature in setting trade policy for the state.

“In today’s global marketplace, international trade agreements have a significant impact on our New Jersey’s economy, business and jobs,” said Egan (D-Middlesex), chairman of the Assembly labor panel. “In these challenging economic times, we must ensure that New Jersey’s voice can be heard loud-and-clear before we bind ourselves to accords that may have a detrimental impact on jobs and the economy in the state.”

Jerry Mercado on the steps of New Brunswick City Hall Wednesday evening.: Politicker photo 

NEW BRUNSWICK - Community activists conceded momentary defeat tonight after the New Brunswick City Council secured a stay from a superior court judge to stop a ballot question from appearing on the Nov. 4th ballot.

But they vowed to fight on to get the ballot question placed on next year’s ballot, and in fact claimed renewed energy to topple what they see as an old and ineffectual structure.

"We are in need of change in the City of New Brunswick, and there is nothing they can do to stop us," said Jerry Mercado, a former unsuccessful candidate for city council, who now calls changing the form of government here mission number one.

Empower Our Neighborhoods (EON) wanted voters to consider altering New Brunswick’s form of representation from an all at-large council to a ward system, which would field elected officials from all of the city’s specific neighborhoods.