Hudson County's six state Assembly members announced they would hold a hearing tomorrow just to listen to constituent's recommendations about how to repair the financial mess that is New Jersey. One has to be amazed by the nerve of these elected officials. At the same time, one would hope these lawmakers are sincere about listening because it is doubtful... Full story »

EDITOR'S NOTE: This edited opinion appeared Friday in The Oregonian of Portland, Ore. We should have done this nine months ago. We should have tried to have an honest conversation about the crippling financial burden that the health care delivery and insurance system has placed on our country. We should have tried to draft a reform package in the... Full story »

Today's Star-Ledger editorial describes the fiscal struggle between unions for publc employees and New Jersey's 8 million residents as a "steel-cage battle." The opinion also notes that this should be "Gov. Chris Christie’s defining moment." The heart of the matter in the lengthy editorial is this: " ... Because the collective bargaining system is broken. The rules are tilted... Full story »

Gov. Chris Christie says everyone will feel pain as he wrestles with the state's budget and fiscal mess. Earlier this month, he announced that school districts would be losing excess surplus. To emphasize the point, it was noted that the Union City school district would be losing an amazing $29.3 million in surplus. This leaves the district with a... Full story »

The Gloucester County Times, a sister newspaper of The Jersey Journal, published this editorial today about Gov. Chris Christie's ability to appoint someone to the U.S. Senate should one of New Jersey's two senators leave office before his term is completed. U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., is supposed to be back to work soon, after dizziness and a tumble... Full story »

The joke that is Jersey City government never ends. The latest punchline came with the conviction of suspended Jersey City Deputy Mayor Leona Beldini for taking $20,000 in bribes that went into Mayor Jerramiah Healy's re-election campaign last year. This is the same Healy who sat in two meetings when the "bribe" money was discussed and failed to see... Full story »

EDITOR'S NOTE: This opinion appeared Friday in The Times-Picayune of New Orleans, a sister publication of The Jersey Journal. The Obama administration wants to allow openly gay Americans to serve in the armed forces, and Congress should support the change. The "don't ask, don't tell" policy that was enacted into law in 1993 put gay service men and women... Full story »

Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy must resign his office. The mayor has said he has done nothing wrong in connection with a federal investigation into corruption in New Jersey that led to the massive arrests last summer of 44 people, including members of Healy's administration. He has not been charged. Videos viewed by a federal jury last week in... Full story »

A not so funny thing is happening in Jersey City. People are getting angry. The issue of how inept this governing administration has been is finally getting the average citizen's attention. They are realizing it because the issue is hitting many in their pockets. Mayor Jerramiah Healy's management of city finances has been one of obfuscation for months, and... Full story »

It is difficult to explain to new Jersey City residents what an important role Journal Square plays in the city. It is our Times Square, where once many lives mingled to shop, eat and look for entertainment. They still do, but an obvious upgrade is needed. This section of the county seat straddles rail tracks under Kennedy Boulevard and... Full story »

The state Assembly approved a bill last week allowing municipalities to move May nonpartisan elections to November. The Senate had authorized the measure last month. Now Jersey City and Hoboken council members are expected to introduce local ordinances that would make the change from May contests to the fall general election. While the new legislation only affects 86 of... Full story »

The rest of the world has entered the second decade of the 21st century. The government of Jersey City is mired in the 20th century. This city has seen members of this administration, and some who wanted to start their own City Hall legacy, arrested on federal corruption charges. Even if some defendants beat the rap, they cannot shake... Full story »

EDITOR'S NOTE: This edited opinion appeared Tuesday in The Star-Ledger of Newark. A recent poll of 1.3 million Americans, New Jersey ranked 48th in happiness. To which we respond: Yeah, so what? Want to make something of it? A couple of economists took data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention over a four-year period and applied... Full story »

The nightmare that is the Jersey City City Council just got darker. Councilman Mariano Vega has been called a liar by federal prosecutors for fibbing to FBI agents. This newspaper has already called upon Vega, who faces trial on federal complaints that he accepted $30,000 in bribes, to resign from the City Council. He has always responded by insisting... Full story »

In New Jersey, or at least in Hudson County, when it comes to running for elected office or voting, residency is only a state of mind. This is what one could easily conclude from a Superior Court judge's ruling this past week allowing Jersey City Ward C Councilwoman Nidia Lopez to keep her seat on the City Council. Norrice... Full story »