The Morning Briefing - January 29, 2015
CLARK – The Alternative Press is wondering this morning when it can buy cling peaches in heavy syrup during the next Can-Can sale at ShopRite. Because, under an ordinance the town is considering, the ShopRite would be banned from posting all those temporary window ads announcing “5 Cans for $0.99.” “If you’re going to be a first-class community, you have to look like a first-class community,” explains Mayor Sal Bonaccorso, TAP reports.
TRENTON - Maybe former Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner has the silver bullet for New Jersey’s state pension mess. The State Investment Council will be all ears today when Obama’s first Treasury Secretary comes to town to talk about the $80 billion state pension plan that has been shortchanged for years. Geithner has some street cred in the area of financial crisis, as he was willing to take the lead job when the U.S. was buried in recession.
TRENTON – State lawmakers think towns that face bigger disasters than others – like during Superstorm Sandy – should get the bigger chunk of relief money. Makes perfect sense, but apparently the logic requires legislation, as the Assembly considers a bill today requiring the governor to dole out disaster aid to towns that file in proportion to the damage suffered. Let’s assume Democrats are fueling this bill, and let’s assume they think Gov. Chris Christie handed out cash to places hardly hit by the Oct. 2012 storm. Also, assume a veto.
TRENTON –Maybe the cops in your local tree-lined town don’t need grenade launchers, machine guns and assault rifles with bayonet lugs. The state Assembly today may advocate for stiffer rules when it comes to police departments acquiring military surplus equipment from the U.S. military. One bill would require the state attorney general to review such requests, while local town councils would be empowered to approve such acquisitions. That means your local traffic cop may be stuck driving a Chevy Caprice, rather than an armored Hummer last appearing in Khost Province, Afghanistan.
GLEN RIDGE — It’s the one place in New Jersey where an old, beat-up typewriter looks hip and fashionable. It’s our longest-running antiques show and – pant, pant – it will be here Feb. 6 and 7! An untold number of collectors will be flocking to Glen Ridge – dragging spouses and other loved ones – as 30 dealers from five states pack the Glen Ridge Antiques Show. Proceeds go to various local charities throughout Essex County. So, suck it up, pack up your 1940 Chevy and chug over there, ok? More at www.glenridgeantiques.com.
IN THE MEDIA
ATLANTIC CITY – The media is reporting that the corporate finance attorney assigned to save Atlantic City will be earning a $135,000 salary. Unclear about what the point of the article is. Does this mean that Kevin Lavin, the “emergency manager” assigned to Atlantic City, is being overpaid to single-handedly pull a sinking ship out of the ocean with toothpicks and silly putty? Or does it mean he is being grossly underpaid and should reap a $10 million bonus if he can somehow save the city? The media is also reporting in the same article that Gov. Chris Christie earns $175,000. Relevance? Perspective?
IN OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS
CANONSBURG, Pa. – Never underestimate the power of American innovation. A local candy maker is making a chocolate football with a big dent on the side, calling it the “Bradie” ball. The (Washington) Observer-Reporter reports the candy maker is deliberately not calling it the “Brady” ball, as he really doesn’t want a visit from an unimpressed Patriots attorney. In showcasing the ball on Facebook, the candymaker reports the ball weighs: "Net weight 13 lbs ... Oops! We meant 11.2 lbs."
THIS DAY IN HISTORY
How can it be 30 years already? It was this day in 1985 that a bunch of 1980s music stars came together to record “We Are the World,” raising $66 million to combat hunger. It’s also amazing how many of these “USA for Africa” musicians are still touring.