Out of the public eye since Jim Florio lost re-election in 1993, Stephanie Bush-Baskette returned to a prominent role in New Jersey politics with her election last night as a Democratic National Committeewoman.  She defeated Christine “Roz” Samuels, a Montclair Democratic official and former Newark Teachers’ Union leader.

Bush-Baskette was 34-years-old when she first won public office in 1987.  She was elected to the State Assembly in the old Oranges district (Richard Codey was the State Senator) when the Essex County Democratic organization decided to drop five-term incumbent Mildred Barry Garvin.  Held in fairly high regard as a legislator, Bush-Baskette was re-elected in 1989 and 1991 with little trouble in a heavily Democratic district.

One suggestion for politics watchers: keep an eye on State Senator Nia Gill, who is also Assemblyman Neil Cohen’s longtime law partner.  The word is that Gill’s role in the investigation – as an advisor to Cohen – may have created a huge conflict with the state Attorney General’s office.  Gill probably had trouble with the A.G.’s office before the Cohen problem, but sources suggest that is has become exponentially worse over the last few days.

The State Senate confirmed the nomination of David Katz to become a Superior Court Judge on Monday. He’ll give up his post as a Counsel to the Essex County Improvement Authority – a spot sources say will be filled by State Senator Nia Gill. Gill abstained on Katz’s nomination in the Judiciary Committee, but voted yes on during a full Senate vote.

GILL MEASURE TO PROVIDE EXTENSION OF INTRODUCTORY MORTGAGE RATES FOR HOMEOWNERS IN NEED APPROVED IN SENATE

‘Save New Jersey Homes Act of 2008’ Would Also Allow for Suspension of Foreclosure Process

TRENTON – In an effort to combat the foreclosure crisis affecting the nation, a bill sponsored by Senator Nia H. Gill which would provide protections for homeowners facing substantial mortgage interest rate increases or foreclosure was approved by the Senate today by a vote of 39-0, receiving final legislative approval.

“Today in New Jersey, homeowners are losing their homes due to the national mortgage crisis created by the practices of some subprime, predatory lenders,” said Senator Gill, D-Essex and Passaic, and Chair of the Senate Commerce Committee. “The State must provide some level of protection for our citizens who may be on the brink of, or already face, financial insolvency, trying to cope with soaring mortgage payments. Through this bill, we’re ensuring that our State property owners are given the notice and flexibility they need to survive crushing mortgage increases.”

GILL MEASURE TO PROVIDE EXTENSION OF INTRODUCTORY MORTGAGE RATES FOR HOMEOWNERS IN NEED ADVANCES

‘Save New Jersey Homes Act of 2008’ Would Also Allow for Suspension of Foreclosure Process

TRENTON – In an effort to combat the foreclosure crisis affecting the nation, a bill sponsored by Senator Nia H. Gill which would provide protections for homeowners facing substantial mortgage interest rate increases or foreclosure was unanimously approved by the Senate Commerce Committee today.

“New Jerseyans are losing their homes at an alarming rate due to foreclosure and the home loan crisis which is going on nationwide,” said Senator Gill, D-Essex and Passaic, and Chair of the Committee. “The Legislature has an obligation to create a statutory scheme to allow protection for consumers who are struggling to live with the effects of a crisis created by the subprime lending practices of some predatory mortgage lenders. By ensuring early notification of rate increases and giving homeowners a grace period from higher payments, we can hopefully provide some relief for hard-hit families in the Garden State.”

Twenty-one Essex County women politicians formally endorsed U.S. Sen. Nia Gill (D-Essex)Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) today, including state Sen. Nia Gill (D-Essex).

"Sen. Lautenberg has a proven record of results and is committed to the vital issues affecting women, children and our communities in New Jersey," Gill said.

The full list of those female elected officials endorsing the incumbent: Gill, Assemblywoman Mila Jasey, Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker, Essex County Freeholder President Blonnie Watson, Essex County Freeholder Carol Clark...

GILL BILL TO PROHIBIT CONFIDENTIAL AGREEMENTS FOR PUBLIC ENTITIES ADVANCES

Measure Would Guarantee Transparency in Court Settlements involving the Public

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Nia H. Gill which would prohibit public entities from entering into confidential court settlements in which the public institution is named as a party of a lawsuit was unanimously approved by the Senate today.

“The people of New Jersey have a fundamental right to know the actions of their government, whether in the Statehouse, city hall, or courtroom,” said Senator Gill, D-Essex and Passaic. “This bill extends the reach of OPRA to include court settlements in which a public institution or employee is named. When taxpayers are footing the bill for these settlements, they deserve to know, and transparency and accountability must be a priority in everything we do as elected representatives of the people.”

GILL BILL TO PROHIBIT CONFIDENTIAL AGREEMENTS FOR PUBLIC ENTITIES APPROVED

Measure Would Guarantee Transparency in Court Settlements Involving the Public

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Nia H. Gill which would prohibit public entities from entering into confidential court settlements in which the public institution is named as a party of a lawsuit was unanimously approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee today.

“In this State, we operate under the assumption that open, transparent government is absolutely necessary to protect the peoples’ interests,” said Senator Gill, D-Essex. “The people’s right to know should always be paramount, not only in legislative hearings or executive action, but in nearly all aspects of governance and public decision-making This bill would go a long way to preserve the sanctity of public scrutiny and ensure transparency and accountability at all levels of government.”