SOMADEMS to host Murphy, Brennan at candidates forum

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — SOMADEMS will host Democratic gubernatorial candidates Phil Murphy and Bill Brennan at the group’s third “Meet the Governor” candidates forum on Tuesday, April 25, from 7 to 10 p.m. at The Woodland, 60 Woodland Road in Maplewood. RSVP to http://tinyurl.com/mxlxeas. “We are pleased to welcome New Jersey’s Democratic candidates to the Maplewood […]

SOVCA provides 2016 overview, looks ahead at 2017

Village president ‘fuming’ over defunding of Main Street NJ

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — The South Orange Village Center Alliance’s leaders presented their organization’s proposed 2017 budget to the South Orange Board of Trustees at the board’s Jan. 9 meeting. In addition, they listed the group’s many accomplishments in 2016 and requested a five-year extension. Though the budget is not yet set, as it stands […]

NJSBA thanks governor for action on school security officer bill

TRENTON, NJ — The New Jersey School Boards Association recently thanked Gov. Chris Christie and the state Legislature for enacting a bill that will expand local school district options in employing security personnel. The legislation, S86/A3629, which was signed into law by Christie, establishes “Class Three” special law enforcement officers to provide security in public […]

Health care providers discuss mental illness, addiction

Legislators attend event addressing mental health needs

Health care providers discuss mental illness, addiction

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Mental health providers, advocacy organizations and elected officials gathered to express continued support and increased awareness of topics related to mental illness and substance abuse services as the Essex County Mental Health Coalition held its 16th annual Legislative Breakfast at the Mayfair Farms in West Orange on Oct. 7. The event […]

Christie proclaims October 2016 as Discover Jersey Arts Month

BURLINGTON, NJ — The ArtPride New Jersey Foundation and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts recently announced that Gov. Chris Christie has officially proclaimed October 2016 as “Discover Jersey Arts Month.” Held in conjunction with National Arts and Humanities Month, Discover Jersey Arts Month is a celebration of the joy, entertainment and enrichment […]

By October, WO police will be hooked up to body cameras

Body cameras add ‘accountability’ to police departments

By October, WO police will be hooked up to body cameras

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The West Orange Police Department will require its officers and detectives to wear body cameras while on duty starting Oct. 1. Deputy Chief John Buoye said the department has purchased 65 WatchGuard Video body cameras, which line officers, detectives and other units will wear in the center of their uniforms. According […]

SO budget to up taxes by 1.9 percent

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — The South Orange Board of Trustees introduced the preliminary 2016 budget at its June 27 meeting. This budget will raise property taxes for the municipality by 1.9 percent. Municipal taxes are only part of South Orange’s property taxes, with Essex County and the South Orange-Maplewood School District taking the lion’s share. […]

‘Is school funding reform possible?’

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — On Thursday, July 21, at 7:30 p.m., in DeHart Community Center, 120 Burnett Ave. in Maplewood, Assemblywoman Mila Jasey’s legislative director, Lindy Wilson, will present different funding proposals and discuss how they impact the South Orange-Maplewood School District. The school district gets only about half of the state aid it should get, […]

Christie unveils Fairness Formula website to help residents lower property taxes

TRENTON, NJ — On June 22 Gov. Chris Christie launched the Fairness Formula website, www.nj.gov/taxrelief, encouraging people to take simple online action to help lower their nation-high property taxes. The governor announced his proposal to ensure equal funding for all New Jersey students and to provide hundreds and thousands of dollars in annual property tax […]