Kim Lueddeke
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Deputy editor, LI Life/Act 2 @Newsday. Previously: The Record (@northjersey), @AsburyParkPress (she/her)
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Articles by Kim Lueddeke
Garrett concedes; Newly-elected Gottheimer meets with supporters
So after Garrett conceded the race on Wednesday, Gottheimer sat in Abbie’s Diner in Wyckoff, thanking supporters who came in and talking about his plans to keep the job by being more bipartisan than Garrett and voting the way that served the 5th District, and not an ideology. “People want problem solvers,” said Gottheimer, a former speechwriter to President Bill Clinton from Wyckoff who quit his job as a corporate strategist for Microsoft to run. “It’s what I learned working in business,” he said.
Judge rules against NJ State Democratic Committee suit alleging voter intimidation
The New Jersey Democratic State Committee had sought to bar the New Jersey Oath Keepers from monitoring polling places, arguing that their true intent was to discourage people, particularly minorities, from voting. Rajiv D. Parikh, an attorney representing the Democrats, said his client was disappointed with the ruling.
NJ State Democratic Committee files lawsuit over voter intimidation
The complaint was filed late Thursday night in U.S. District Court against the Oath Keepers. Rep. Scott Garrett, R-Wantage, attended a meeting last month that was promoted by a leader in the group’s New Jersey chapter. The breakfast was hosted by a different group, Bergen County NJ for Liberty, and Garrett, now facing a fight for reelection in the 5th District which includes Bergen County, has said that he was unaware of the promoter’s ties to the Oath Keepers.
Police don't know who posted 'Satan' flier targeting congressional candidate
The anonymous fliers depict 5th District Democratic candidate Josh Gottheimer as a devil who is owned by “big media.” Regino said they were found stapled to trees near the Berkeley elementary and Westwood Regional Middle schools, the town post office and a New York Sports Club.
Campaigns trade accusations over 'Satan' flier in NJ House race
Suggestions of media conspiracies and Satanic imagery are“frequently-used anti-Semitic caricatures” and reminiscent of Nazi propaganda, Gottheimer’s campaign said in a news release. Gottheimer is Jewish.
Gottheimer’s campaign calls on Garrett to condemn fliers depicting Gottheimer as a devil
Suggestions of media conspiracies and Satanic imagery are “frequently-used anti-Semitic caricatures” and reminiscent of Nazi propaganda, Gottheimer’s campaign said in a news release. Gottheimer is Jewish.
Garrett, Gottheimer escalate attacks against each other
The two men made their announcements at near-simultaneous press conferences, with Garrett, a Republican, at the Bergen County GOP’s headquarters in Hackensack and Gottheimer, a Democrat, in Paramus. As Garrett spoke, several protesters could be heard chanting outside.
Garrett, Gottheimer trade 'pay for play' and bribery charges
Fifth District Rep. Scott Garrett, a seven-term incumbent fighting to retain his seat, fired the opening salvo Tuesday with a press release claiming that his opponent, Democrat Josh Gottheimer, was being investigated by the U.S. Senate over “pay for play” allegations. The claim stems from a controversy dating back more than four years, when Gottheimer was senior counselor to the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission.
Garrett claims Gottheimer's under investigation over 'pay for play' allegations
Fifth District Rep. Scott Garrett, a seven-term incumbent fighting to retain his seat, fired the opening salvo Tuesday with a press release claiming that his opponent, Democrat Josh Gottheimer, was being investigated by the U.S. Senate over “pay for play” allegations. The claim stems from a controversy dating back more than four years, when Gottheimer was senior counselor to the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission.
Civil rights leader John Lewis rallies supporters to vote for Josh Gottheimer
“We need a leader in the Congress. A young leader like Josh, who will speak up and speak out and disturb the order of things,” Lewis, a Democratic congressman from Georgia, told a crowd of more than 100 gathered at the Logan Family Life Center. The audience included several local leaders, including Marlin Townes Jr., Hackensack’s first black mayor, and Bergen County Freeholders Tracy Silna Zur and Thomas Sullivan. Democratic Reps.
Rep. John Lewis campaigns for Gottheimer as 5th District race heats up
More than 100 people gathered at the Logan Family Life Center on Tuesday for a campaign rally on behalf of Josh Gottheimer, the Democrat running in a tight race against incumbent Scott Garrett. Headlining the event was Rep. John Lewis, a Georgia Democrat who was a central figure in the civil rights movement of the 1960s. “We need a leader in the Congress,” Lewis told the crowd.
Josh Gottheimer says comprehensive tax reform would be a priority if he's elected
“If you talk to people in Washington, on both sides… there seems to be a big appetite for comprehensive tax reform,” Gottheimer said Thursday. Gottheimer, who is running in a tight race against incumbent Rep. Scott Garrett, spoke Thursday to The Record’s editorial board. Over the course of nearly 90 minutes, the Wyckoff resident addressed topics ranging from taxes to Social Security and immigration. Garrett, a Republican from Wantage, has represented the Fifth District since 2003.
Mother of Tyler Clementi criticizes Scott Garrett at LGBT rally in Glen Rock
“I definitely thought it was essential to be here because I want to have a new, fresh person in Washington,” Jane Clementi said. She added that she wanted someone in Congress who could “represent myself, my family, my foundation and people like Tyler.” Clementi lives in Ridgewood, which is part of New Jersey’s 5th Congressional District, which Garrett, a Republican from Wantage, has represented since 2003.
Tyler Clementi's mother criticizes Rep. Scott Garrett at LGBT rally
The mother of Tyler Clementi, the Rutgers University freshman whose suicide brought national attention to cyber-bullying and the treatment of gay youths, criticized Rep. Scott Garrett at a protest rally Tuesday. “I definitely thought it was essential to be here because I want to have a new, fresh person in Washington,” Jane Clementi said.
Mother of Tyler Clementi slams Scott Garrett at LGBT rally in Glen Rock
“I definitely thought it was essential to be here because I want to have a new, fresh person in Washington,” Jane Clementi said. She added that she wanted someone in Congress who could “represent myself, my family, my foundation and people like Tyler.” Clementi lives in Ridgewood, which is part of New Jersey’s 5th Congressional District, which Garrett, a Republican from Wantage, has represented since 2003.
Construction worker dies after fall from roof in Teterboro
Police believe the worker slipped and fell while laying metal decking for a warehouse that is under construction at 125 North St., said Detective Sgt. Anthony Fugnitti of the Moonachie Police Department, which is handling the incident. Emergency personnel were called to the scene at 10:28 a.m. When police arrived, the victim was unresponsive but breathing. He later succumbed to his injuries, Fugnitti said.
Authorities: Explosion of Paterson home was not criminal in nature
"There's nothing that indicates that it's criminal at this point," Senior Assistant Prosecutor Joshua Vazquez said. Natural gas was leaking was leaking with such for that firefighters said they could hear it hissing when they arrived shortly after 9 a.m. on Oct. 4. Related: Rescuers got residents out moments before Paterson house exploded About 20 minutes later, the gas ignited. The explosion flattened two homes, destroyed a third and severely damaged two others.
Demarest police arrest burglary suspect after he eluded them twice
An Elm Place resident called borough police around 8:30 p.m. Thursday to say someone was in the backyard and appeared to be breaking in. When police arrived, the suspect fled, Chief James Powderley III said. After an “extensive” search, police located a vehicle parked in the nearby area that they believed to be connected to the burglary.
Six indicted in large-scale Paterson heroin mill
Police found five of the suspects in the Paterson home of the alleged ringleader, Marino Pimentel-Tejada, during a search of the premises. Police found evidence of a heroin milling operation in the E. 24th Street residence, including a table “overflowing” with glassines containing heroin, state Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino said in a press release.
North Jersey chiropractor accepted bribes for referrals to imaging center, authorities say
TRENTON – A North Jersey chiropractor has been arrested for allegedly accepting tens of thousands of dollars in bribes from the owner of a medical imaging center in return for referring patients to the facility. Kesnold Baptiste, 50, of Roselle, allegedly took kickbacks from Ata “Danny” Chaudhry, a Paramus resident who owns imaging centers in Oradell, Newark and Bayonne. Baptiste has been charged with health care claims fraud, conspiracy and commercial bribery.
Fire prompts evacuation at St. Michael’s Villa in Englewood Cliffs
Members of a religious order were evacuated from St. Michael's and were moved to a gym on the property, a spokeswoman for St. Peter's University said. Multiple fire departments from throughout Bergen County were on the scene of the complex, which is off Hudson Terrace. The fire is now out.
East Hanover man charged in false bomb report at Willowbrook Mall in Wayne
Anthony R. Vigilante, 56, of East Hanover, allegedly told security at the mall that evening that he had found a hand-written Post-it note that claimed six bombs had been planted in the mall. He did not have the note, however — Wayne police say he told security that he had thrown it away. Related: Willowbrook Mall in Wayne evacuated due to concerns about bomb 'threat' Mall management notified township police and began evacuating shoppers and employees.
Police, firefighters join Garrett fray
State police and firefighter associations joined Democrat Josh Gottheimer, left, in criticizing Rep. Scott Garrett, R-Wantage, over speaking at an Oct. 1 breakfast. Garrett's campaign has stressed that the event was not hosted by the group, called Oath Keepers, and that he was not aware of the organizer's affiliation beforehand.
Appeals court: Paterson school district did not discriminate against teacher with lupus
The teacher had objected to attempts to change her assignment or classroom location at Paterson Public School 11, complaining that she had trouble climbing stairs and walking long distances, and needed to be near a bathroom at all times. She also disagreed with the requirement that she provide an annual medical note that explained her conditions and need for accommodation, according to state officials.
Hewlett-Packard chief Meg Whitman endorses Josh Gottheimer
Whitman served on the finance team that helped raise money for Governor Christie’s presidential bid. But she broke ranks with him when he endorsed Republican nominee Donald Trump and has been campaigning for Hillary Clinton. The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday that Whitman was supporting Garrett’s opponent, Josh Gottheimer, who worked as a speechwriter for Clinton’s husband, Bill, when he was president.
Garrett event promoter tied to extremists
“Any attendees with affiliations to outside organizations have nothing to do with Congressman Garrett,” campaign manager Sarah Neibart said in a statement.
Swearing in of new police chief hailed as fresh start for Wyckoff force
“I know tonight is just the start of a new chapter of our department, a turning of the page, so to speak,” said Mayor Kevin Rooney. Murphy, 42, was named acting chief last month. On Tuesday night, the Township Committee formally voted to name him the department’s leader. With his wife, Lynn, holding the Bible for him, he was sworn in by Rooney. Wyckoff’s new top cop has 21 years of law enforcement experience.
Political site once again downgrades Rep. Garrett’s chances of winning re-election
“I think the race has continued to tighten,” said Nathan Gonzales, editor and publisher of The Rothenberg & Gonzales Political Report. Referring to Garrett’s Democratic challenger, he said, “I think Josh Gottheimer is within striking distance.” The race for New Jersey’s Fifth Congressional District, which Garrett has represented since 2003, had been rated “Republican favored” on the site’s seven-point scale.
In wake of Hoboken crash, commuters will face delays, crowds, alternate routes
Commuters, looking up at a train schedule, try to find their way home and navigate train delays at Secaucus Junction after a Pascack Valley Line train crashed in Hoboken on Thursday morning.
5th District race: Garrett picks up endorsement from Democratic Teaneck councilman
“As a Democrat, Congressman Garrett and I don’t agree on every issue, but we do agree on two important issues for me and my community,” said Schwartz. “Scott has never voted to raise taxes on our families — period. He is also one of the best friends Israel has in all of Congress, and we should be honored to give him our votes and send him back for another term.” Schwartz noted in particular a bill Garrett introduced last year called the Jerusalem Embassy and Recognition Act.
5th District race: Gottheimer gets endorsement from retired general, unveils policy aimed at veterans
Clark, wearing a “Josh Gottheimer for Congress” pin, spoke Monday at a campaign event at American Legion Post #142. The two men have a long history – Gottheimer took time off from law school to help Clark with his short-lived bid for the 2004 Democratic presidential nomination.
ACLU action may restore political signs in Wyckoff
The Township Committee introduced an ordinance last week to rescind a provision banning residents from displaying political signs for more than one month. It would also eliminate rules that required signs to be no more than 4 square feet and that they be at least 25 feet from the edge of the pavement or the curb. Instead, the signs would simply have to be set back from the road and not obstruct the view of drivers or pedestrians using the public rights of way.
Gottheimer gets endorsement from retired general, unveils policy aimed at veterans
Clark, wearing a “Josh Gottheimer for Congress” pin, spoke Monday at a campaign event at American Legion Post #142. The two men have a long history – Gottheimer took time off from law school to help Clark with his short-lived bid for the 2004 Democratic presidential nomination.
Garrett picks up endorsement from Dem Teaneck councilman
“As a Democrat, Congressman Garrett and I don’t agree on every issue, but we do agree on two important issues for me and my community,” said Councilman Mark Schwartz. “Scott has never voted to raise taxes on our families - period. He is also one of the best friends Israel has in all of Congress, and we should be honored to give him our votes and send him back for another term.” Schwartz noted in particular a bill Garrett introduced last year called the Jerusalem Embassy and Recognition Act.
Rep. Garrett announces new coalition aimed at highlighting his record on veterans’ issues
The nine-member group includes Bergen County Republican Organization Chairman Paul DiGaetano and state Sen. Michael Doherty, a Warren County Republican who served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve. Vietnam War veteran Frank Crotty of Mahwah is also part of the group. Garrett, R-Wantage, represents the Fifth Congressional District, which includes parts of Bergen, Passaic, Sussex and Warren counties.
Construction at former Cost Cutters site in Norwood could begin by Thanksgiving
The construction site on Livingston Street in downtown Norwood on July 1, 2016. Developer Fred Daibes said interest has been expressed in the Livingston Street property. If a “solid” offer is made, Daibes said he would entertain it. Otherwise, he said he plans to start construction within 90 days. Daibes also confirmed that Norwood resident Robert Travers is under contract to buy a smaller portion of the lot, where a partially-constructed two-story building now sits.
Garrett, Gottheimer agree to radio debate in October
The two men have agreed to square off on a Hackettstown-based radio station whose signal does not extend to Bergen County, where the majority of voters in the Fifth Congressional District live. The debate is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Oct. 31, according to Garrett’s campaign.
Garrett, Gottheimer accept invitations to debate - but not necessarily with each other
Garrett, who has represented New Jersey’s Fifth Congressional District since 2003, announced this week that he had agreed to debates hosted by WRNJ Radio, whose signal doesn’t extend to Bergen County, and by Steven Pruzansky, a Teaneck rabbi who has come under fire for his opinions on college rape and for advocating a harsh response to Palestinian terrorists by Israel. Gottheimer has also accepted invitations to debate, he said.
South Carolina Democrat rallies voters for Gottheimer
“It is our responsibility to do what is necessary between now and Nov. 8 to motivate our voters,” Assistant House Democratic Leader Jim Clyburn told a racially diverse crowd of about 70 at the Trinity Baptist Church of Hackensack. He added, “We must send people to Washington who can be strong support roles for our next president.” Clyburn was one of several Democratic officials who turned out to support Gottheimer, who is running to represent New Jersey’s 5th Congressional District.
Assistant House Democratic leader to appear at rally for Garrett opponent Josh Gottheimer
Clyburn will be joined by Rep. Donald Payne Jr., a Democrat representing New Jersey’s 10th congressional district, and New Jersey Democratic Party Chairman John Currie, according to Gottheimer’s campaign. The event will be held at 5 p.m. at the Trinity Baptist Church of Hackensack. Gottheimer, a former Microsoft executive from Wyckoff, is running to represent New Jersey’s 5th district, which includes parts of Bergen and Passaic counties.
South Carolina Democrat rallies voters for Gottheimer
“It is our responsibility to do what is necessary between now and Nov. 8 to motivate our voters,” he said, adding: “We must send people to Washington who can be strong support roles for our next president.” Clyburn spoke at a rally for Josh Gottheimer, a Democrat from Wyckoff who is running to unseat Rep. Scott Garrett, a Republican, to represent the state’s Fifth Congressional District. The rally was held at Trinity Baptist Church of Hackensack.
Hackensack man to be sentenced for engaging in sexual activity with 14-year-old boy
August 12, 2016, 7:49 AM Last updated: Friday, August 12, 2016, 7:49 AM Edwin Sangorima, 20, previously plead guilty to criminal sexual contact, according to court records. The charge is a fourth-degree offense, which has a maximum penalty of 18 months in jail. Sangorima and another man, Manuel J. Zumba-Chably, were charged last year with sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child. Authorities said at the time that they had been involved once with the teenager.
Hackensack man pleads guilty for role in sexual encounter with 14-year-old boy
“I would like to apologize for everything that happened,” Edwin Sangorima, 20, said through a Spanish-language translator. “I recognize everything that I did.” Sangorima and another man, Manuel J. Zumba-Chably, were charged with sexual assault last year for engaging in sexual activity with the 14-year-old boy. Sangorima had met the child online, Bergen County Superior Court Judge Margaret Foti said Friday. The victim after the incident alerted his school counselor, who contacted Hackensack police.
Four cases on today's Bergen County court docket
The defendants scheduled to appear before Superior Court Judge Susan Steele for pre-indictment conferences include: - Ashley Frabizzio, 30, of Butler. Frabizzio, a special education teacher, was charged with two counts of child abuse in December after an administrator at the Sixteenth Avenue Elementary School in Elmwood Park notified police of allegations against her. At the time, authorities did not provide any details concerning where or when the abuse allegedly occurred.
Edgewater man pleads guilty in child porn case
Alfredo Vincente, 61, pleaded guilty before Superior Court Judge Susan Steele to third-degree child endangerment. He is to be sentenced on Sept. 23. When detectives searched Vincente’s home in June, they said they found images and videos depicting child exploitation. Authorities said he used a file-sharing program to distribute and acquire the pornography.
Alleged 'Countdown Bandit' bank robbery suspect due in court today
August 10, 2016, 6:16 AM Last updated: Wednesday, August 10, 2016, 6:18 AM Marcelino Garcia, accused of being the prolific "Countdown Bandit" responsible for 10 bank robberies, is arraigned in Superior Court in June. The enterprise allegedly operated in New Jersey, New York and Florida, and processed tens of millions of dollars in wagers every year, according to authorities.
Alleged 'Countdown Bandit' bank robber expected to be offered plea deal
August 10, 2016, 6:16 AM Last updated: Wednesday, August 10, 2016, 11:17 AM Hackensack resident Marcelino Garcia, 23, previously pleaded not guilty to 10 counts of second-degree robbery. He remains in the Bergen County Jail on $500,000 bail. He appeared in front of Superior Court Judge Susan Steele on Wednesday for a pre-indictment conference.
Groundbreaking today for Garfield elementary school
August 9, 2016, 9:02 AM Last updated: Tuesday, August 9, 2016, 9:02 AM The head of the New Jersey Schools Development Authority, Charles McKenna, is expected to join city school officials at the ceremony, which will be held at 10 a.m. James Madison Elementary will educate approximately 275 students in the kindergarten through fifth grades. It is expected to open by September 2018, according to the development authority. The estimated cost for the project is $28 million.
New Garfield elementary school aimed at alleviating overcrowding
New Jersey Schools Development Authority CEO Charles McKenna at the groundbreaking on Aug. 9, 2016. City and state leaders gathered for the brief event, donning white hard hats and posing with shovels full of dirt. “We’re thrilled to see this project finally begin,” Mayor Tana Raymond said. “Our children really, really needed another school.” Garfield’s schools are bursting at the seams.
Tombstone has new home, but mystery remains unsolved - HeraldCourier.com: News
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