As a prime sponsor of legislation that would authorize Gold Star plates, I welcome the Star-Ledger's call to stop stalling and start honoring the parents of our fallen service men and women. These license plates will allow parents to express both their grief at heartbreaking losses and pride in the courage and honor of their sons and daughters.

SENATE APPROVES SACCO/GORDON MOTORIST SAFETY BILL

TRENTON – Summer may have just officially started, but the full Senate is preparing for winter, approving a bill sponsored by Senators Nicholas Sacco and Robert Gordon, which is aimed at increasing safety on the roads by requiring all drivers to remove ice and snow from their vehicle before heading out on the roadways.

What began as a brush fire could burn down the house. Brian Stack's successful insurgent bid to oust State Senator Bernard Kenny has the makings of one of those generational changes in Hudson politics. Stack has one of the formidable political operations in the State. It's not a question of just his candidacy. What's interesting is what follows. Joe Doria's decision to retire (average intellect of legislature drops as a result) opens the door of the State Senate to Sandy Cunningham. Former Mayor Harvey Smith now joins the team for the Assembly. Sal Vega has his own insurgency going in West New York against the forces of Albio Sires. It's quite a coalition. You do the math.

The smartest political mind in Hudson belongs to my old friend Nick Sacco. Nick and the new crowd are one meeting away from realigning the structure of Hudson politics. Everybody claims that it won't happen. I'll let you know when it's done.