Union County Means Business In 2013

The county will host a series of business networking events in the coming months.

The following is a monthly column submitted by Union County Freeholder Chairwoman Linda Carter. Despite the explosive growth of Internet-based social media in the business sector, there is still no substitute for getting out, meeting people and exchanging ideas face to face. Those personal experiences can make all the difference when you are looking to start or grow a business.  That’s the driving force behind our Union County Means Business (UCMB) series of networking events. The Freeholder Board began UCMB last year as a way to help local business owners and managers connect with useful resources and programs, especially ones that are available through local, state and federal agencies. It was such a great success that we are continuing …

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FedupLiz

7:34 am on Friday, April 5, 2013

Amen and not soon enough   more ›

County Manager Announces $120 Annual Tax Hike For Average Homeowners in 2013

Despite decreased revenue in Union County's $506 million spending plan, officials managed to close a $28 million budget gap, according to a letter to the freeholder board by County Manager Alfred Faella.

The following is a letter written by Union County Manager Alfred J. Faella to members of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, regarding the 2013 Executive Budget. Dear Freeholders: We are now at the beginning of a second year of what is a multi-year budgetary turnaround, as we have closed an approximate $28 million budget gap.  Overall, the County appears to have stemmed the tide of eroding revenue collections in line with the national recovery, while taking long term steps to create new revenue streams, and implement proactive measures controlling our costs for future budgets. This year, we have turned our attention to the completion of several areas identified in last year’s executive budget for reform: Runnells Specialized …

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Nota Whistleblower

8:22 pm on Sunday, April 14, 2013

hear, hear!!!! And, they should stop playing games with the Unemployment numbers..... It's 9.5 % in NJ and has been lowering Nationwide???? It's only because people ran out of their unemployment benefits and cannot find a job!   more ›

Former Four-Term Freeholder Remembered As A 'Friend to All'

County officials announced the death of former Union County Freeholder Chester Holmes.

Former Union County Freeholder Chester Holmes, 81, has passed away, county officials announced early this afternoon. Holmes, a popular Rahway resident, served four terms as a member of the freeholder board. He was first elected to the board in 1997 and retired at the end of 2009 to devote more time to his private security business, Holmes Security and Investigations Inc. “Chester was a gentleman and friend to all," said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella, who, along with Freeholder Deborah Scanlon, was elected to the freeholder board along with Holmes in 1997. "He had a unique style, with a tremendously engaging and comforting personality. He truly lived his life to the fullest and was always in good spirits. Mirabella added that …

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Freeholder Honored During Her Last Meeting

Union County Freeholder Deborah Scanlon will retire at the end of this year.

Freeholder Deborah P. Scanlon, a resident of Union, was honored by her colleagues on the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders during her last meeting as a freeholder this month. Scanlon, a five-term Freeholder whose retirement is effective at the end of this year, distinguished her career by serving as a steady advocate for women, children, and families in need. A two-time survivor of cancer, she championed cancer-prevention programs including mammography awareness for young and underprivileged women. She served as a liaison to Runnells Hospital, and worked to expand one of the county’s most popular family services, the Union County Child Safety Seat program, which has provided more than 50,000 inspections.

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County Recognizes Local Eatery For Collecting Holiday Donations

Union County officials presented a certificate of recognition to a local pizzeria.

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Freeholder Mirabella: Tested Once Again, Union County Looks Forward to 2013

Union County Freeholder looks ahead to new year.

Between the global economic meltdown of 2008 and a series of natural disasters culminating in Hurricane Sandy, Union County has seen its share of crises over the past four years. We have also been touched by the sorrows borne by communities not so very far away; here in New Jersey, the devastation of shore towns by the storm, and in Newtown, Connecticut, a human tragedy from which no real recovery is ever possible. While our hearts and minds reach out in sympathy, we can also look inward and prepare ourselves for the challenges ahead.  And as this year comes to a close, there is cause for renewed hope in the future. One cause for optimism has been the growth of new relationships all across the spectrum of our community. In this regard, …

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Freeholder Candidate: Weight of Tax Burden Pushing Properties Into Foreclosure

Diane Barabas addresses financial burden carried by Union County taxpayers.

Whether you are a Republican or a Democrat one must wonder why Union County Freeholders have passed a budget of $302.5 million dollars? It’s only $11.3 million more than last year? Even if the increase only means $90 per household as Freeholders claim, but it’s $90 that many families cannot afford. The weight of the tax burden has now pushed many properties into foreclosure or short sale, but the Freeholders still insist they need additional funds to manage 21 municipalities that are already struggling to maintain their own budgets. Successful tax appeals have been added to the mix and are painful for the municipalities because it means that homeowners are credited for money that has already been budgeted. First-time home buyers are …

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County Welcomes Autumn During Harvest Festival

The event was held at the Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside.

The County of Union recently celebrated its annual Harvest Festival with Fall displays, music and entertainment, Native American cooking and crafts and contests at the Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside.

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County Plans Columbus Day Flag-Raising

The annual event is scheduled for Friday in Elizabeth.

Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella has announced that the county’s fourth annual Columbus Day Flag Raising event will take place Oct. 5 at 1:30 p.m. on the steps of the historic Union County Courthouse. Speakers include Former Governor James J. Florio, Cesarina Earl, publisher of the Italian Voice, UNICO Past National President Renato Biribin, Italian American One Voice Founder Manny Alfano and Mike Giunta, president and founder of Bayway Catering Mirabella will host and emcee the event. The courthouse is located at 2 Broad St. in Elizabeth at the corner of Rahway Avenue. In the event of rain, the program will be moved in doors to the County Courthouse Rotunda. “Italian Americans continue to make amazing contributions to …

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Freeholder Forum: Planning Ahead for Weather Emergencies

In this month's column, Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella discusses precautions that can be taken in the event of a natural disaster such as a storm.

We in Union County are fortunate to enjoy a relatively moderate climate. However, within the past couple of years we have experienced a series of extremes from destructive storms to heat waves, and that calls for a new level of awareness about preparing your household for weather-related emergencies.  The basics of planning ahead haven’t changed much over the years, such as keeping a supply of bottled water and nonperishable food in a handy spot along with a first aid kit. There are also some useful new gadgets on the market, including portable radios and flashlights you can power by hand if the batteries run down. One of the most effective things you can do is to keep informed about conditions before, during and after an extreme weather …

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