Percentage state gasoline taxes have gone up in New Jersey since 1988: 0 percent. Percentage a NJ Transit Zone-2 monthly bus pass has gone up since 1988: 107 percent ($47 in 1988, $97.50 in 2010 with the proposed fare increase). On March 5, New Jersey Transit announced that it is raising bus, train and Light Rail fares by 25... Full story »

Running on the idea that positive change was in store for the Hudson County Sheriff's Department, Juan M. Perez was elected. Did change come about? "OH YES!!" The changes have been to lower morale. Sheriff Perez has belittled, demanded ridiculous things and acted as a Napoleonic overlord instead of a good leader. Yes, his public relations are fine --... Full story »

Each year as the Super Bowl football games are held, the Bayonne public schools under the direction of Dr. Patricia McGeehan and her dedicated staff in each school conduct a "Soup Bowl" program where everyone is asked to bring in cans of soup or vegetables to be distributed to the local food pantries. The food was donated to the... Full story »

My letter is in response to Mr. Kabili Tayari's letter that was published in The Jersey Journal on March 10, "Who will serve the kids best?" Now, unlike Mr. Tayari's letter, which starts off by saying "This is not an attack," mine however is! My attack isn't towards Mr. Tayari alone, but to all of these bureaucrats who are... Full story »

Failing significant action by local government, Jersey City will face unacceptable property tax increases that will destabilize our local economy and the long-term health and well-being of our city. We must act on (1) immediate rigorous cost-cutting initiatives that do not reduce services to the Jersey City public and do not have negative long-term financial repercussions; and (2) the... Full story »

Re: Jersey City's CREATE Charter School, told by state to close in June, must prepare students for public district schools By Melissa Hayes/The Jersey Journal. The first charter schools opened in Jersey City in 1997. It's 2010. By now it should be common knowledge that charter schools are public schools. Furthermore, teachers at charter schools are certified by the... Full story »

TIPS FOR COUNCIL MEMBERS TO REMEMBER, ESPECIALLY AT COUNCIL MEETINGS: You are not above the citizens, no matter how high in the saddle you sit. Besides your immediate family they are the most important people in your lives and you will need them again. Know that the hopes of your constituents have been placed in your hands, and you... Full story »

Gov. Christie's bills will hurt the State of New Jersey and destroy the municipalities if they are passed. The taxes will go so high for the cities that the homeowners will have to sell and move out of state where they can survive and the renters will not be able to afford the rents. The bills are forcing all... Full story »

While on vacation in Arizona I found a public backlash regarding red traffic light cameras. Even Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer has commented publicly she is not a fan of photo radar. As reported in USA Today, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, West Virginia and Wisconsin have banned red light cameras. Also reported, red light cameras have never survived... Full story »

I don't understand the law. Why is it if someone is on the phone a ticket is coming, but if a cop is on it and driving, nothing! I see many cops on them. A cop does not have the right to do anything they want to do. The law is for everybody. These cops are a joke. This... Full story »

I would like to take this opportunity to express my thanks to the many people Hoboken that are flying the American flag throughout the city. Many of them are discolored. I am not trying to insult anyone, but if you could put out a clean flag, it would be great. ED "ROY" HUELBIG HOBOKEN  Full story »

This is not an attack. In 1989, Gov. Thomas Kean appointed me to the Jersey City Board of Education, I served until April 1997. During July 1996 until July 1, 2001, I served in the administration of then-Mayor Bret Schundler. Jan. 1, 2000, I began my term as president of the Jersey City NAACP while Bret Schundler was mayor.... Full story »

In Jersey City, citizens are more than passively concerned about ever-increasing property taxes. I applaud them for their concern. I encourage total and complete support for their efforts. Property taxes, as they are currently implemented, are not fair simply because they do not take into consideration one's ability to pay them. No matter what your income, big or small,... Full story »

Regarding The Jersey Journal's Online -- dated March 1, 2010 -- Conversations in Cyberspace by Jersey City resident Miz Amy O'Donnell: Yes, Miz O'Donnell has the right to raise her voice and address an issue. But to complain about a police officer working extra to protect people and property. Thus making her area of Jersey City safer. Please wake... Full story »

Jersey City has once again lost one of its biggest supporters. Michael "Mickey" Barrett recently passed away. Mickey was a fixture in the Greenville section of Jersey City for over half a century. He was a very friendly outgoing man with a smile on his face and gave a warm hello to whoever crossed his path. Mickey was a... Full story »