“Bridgegate” and Christie’s Aspirations to National Office

In June of 2013, in the midst of his battle with Barbara Buono to capture a second term as New Jersey governor, one poll had Chris Christie leading by 30 points (61 to 31).  It looked like nothing could slow him down, let alone that anything negative could be pinned on him – surely not a scandal. 
 

Christie at a Town Meeting, Raritan Valley Community College, April 2013

Yet, for a long time, his foes – including some within the press – had been looking for ways to knock him off his game:  Their opportunity would come when, in the fall of 2013, the so-called “Bridgegate” affair would provide Christie’s opponents with the impetus to begin pummeling him for months on end.

ONSET OF THE INVESTIGATIONS:
 
Paul Fishman, U.S. Attorney for the State of New Jersey, headed up one of the key investigative agencies that entered the fray.  Yet, as of this writing, his office has yet to produce any evidentiary reports that Governor Christie acted in an unlawful manner, or even knew anything about the oblique “Bridgegate” incident.

Bridgewater’s Terry O’Shea Advances in Competition

O'Shea looks at Jeopardy board (Bergeron TV Screen shot.)

On Thursday evening, Terry O’Shea, a graduate of Bridgewater-Raritan High School, and currently a student at Princeton University won $17,200 on Alex Trebek’s popular TV show, Jeopardy.

O’Shea outscored two other competitors in the Jeopardy Tournament of Champions this week, where her winning score qualified her to advance to the semifinals in which she will compete again next Tuesday at 7:00 p.m., on ABC TV.

Last winter, I remember observing Terry O’Shea at the John F. Kennedy Primary School on the evening of March 11, 2014.  There, she appeared informally as a guest of the Bridgewater-Raritan school board shortly after she had won $100,000 in February on Jeopardy.

Answer:  " What is Hokkaido and Honshu?"

She was every bit as genuine and unassuming that evening in Raritan as she is when she competes in Jeopardy, the very popular TV show beamed into the homes of millions
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It was a treat to have seen her in person.

The Last Leaf of Autumn

At NATIRAR, a lonely leaf clings to the top of a sapling.

Yesterday, in mid-afternoon, Pris and I took full advantage of the glorious weekend weather – quite unusual for this time of the year.  We decided to visit the grounds at NATIRAR, one of the best places in the Somerset County Park System for individuals, couples, and families to take a healthy stroll in the midst of a quiet, very expansive setting.

There you will find serenity whether you go alone, are accompanied by a friend or loved ones.  The park offers a perfect ambiance to simply walk, talk and enjoy the beauty, as well as the compelling presence of nature.  If you have one of man’s best friends as part of your household, bring your dog along.

From the parking lot, follow the path to your right, counterclockwise on the circular walkway that goes around the expansive lawn before you.  Look for the green on white sign that reads “Nature Trail,” and you are on your way.

A Routine Pre-Election BR-BOE Meeting runs amuck

Most meetings of the Bridgewater-Raritan Board of Education are relatively tame.  Many of them, especially those having to do with issues near and dear to the hearts of one or more board members will, from time to time, result in very spirited debate in which clear cut views are made plain.  However in the end, opinions are clarified, discussion is closed, a direction is given or a vote is taken, and matters move ahead.

It is very rare that an issue gets as red-hot as a branding iron, but that is what happened on Monday evening, at the John F. Kennedy school in Raritan.  At the beginning and, towards its end, the agenda of that meeting and the ensuing discussions were routine, nothing unusual.  But that would not last.

On Monday, the first row of seats was occupied by students, parents and their supporters on an issue of importance to them.  Proponents stepped to the podium and engaged in easy conversation with members of the board.  This happens often; everything went smoothly.

Several other rows that were occupied in the gym included at least three non-incumbent candidates:  Barry Walker, Lisa Weinstock and Ali Ali, each hoping to lasso one of two open seats on the board.  A fourth, non-incumbent candidate is Christopher Larson.

 

Of the two available seats for Bridgewater, the first is currently held by incumbent Evan Lerner, while the second, now held by Arvind Mathur will be vacated due to his decision not to seek another term after eleven years of service.