S POTLIGHT O N G OVERNMENT Not A Good Way To Build An Airplane Capitol Comments

Assemblyman Alex Sauickie

TRENTON ˗ A man I know sometimes says of a project that is put in motion without proper planning, “It’s like building an airplane while it’s flying.”

As I look at Governor Murphy’s plan to have only electric vehicles (EVs) sold in New Jersey by 2035, I think of that airplane. It seems that there are a lot of problems and hurdles that weren’t seriously thought through when the plan was adopted.

I have nothing against EVs and, in fact, I’m glad that consumers now have the choice of a traditional gasoline-fueled vehicle, an EV, or a hybrid. It’s just hard to believe there are so many obvious factors that don’t seem to be addressed by the plan.

One problem is whether our current electric power generation and distribution grid can even handle the number of EVs the plan contemplates. This very basic issue arose in a survey of auto dealers and manufacturers, according to NJ Spotlight News. As an example of the barriers faced by dealers, it was reported that one dealer wanting to install a transformer in order to allow for more EV chargers was told the wait would be 42 weeks.

That survey says dealers generally support electrification, but they’re reluctant to invest too much yet due to limited EV availability, and the significant costs that manufacturers say could be close to $1 million per dealer.

Manufacturers have their own problems. In March, Ford reported it expects to lose $3 billion this year on EVs, and that it will continue to lose money on them for another three years. Its chief financial officer said that its EV unit is an “EV startup within Ford,” and EV startups lose money as they learn and grow.

That may be, but EVs cost a lot more than gas-powered cars – by about $12,000 on average – and for that money, the buyer gets a car with a travel range limited by the ability to find another charger on the trip. New Jersey ranks 28th among states in EV chargers, according to Spotlight.

In addition, only about one in four of chargers in our state are DC (direct current) fast chargers, capable of providing 100-200 miles of range in a half hour. The rest are Level 2 chargers, which provide about 25 miles of range per hour.

So how was this plan developed? Apparently, Governor Murphy just copied it from a California initiative of the same name, as suggested by a NorthJersey.com article.

It seems we’re adopting energy policy from a state that had, by far, the most blackouts between 2008 and 2017 and the most last year.

Regardless, it’s true that we have an ever-increasing number of EVs on our roads, and we need to be ready for what that entails. In addition to more charging stations and a vastly improved electricity grid that can handle the load, this means preparing for the unique challenges presented by EV batteries.

One of those challenges is how to handle a car fire. Although rare, EV fires burn hotter and longer than those of gas-powered vehicles. While a gas-powered car fire requires one tank of water and less than an hour to extinguish, EV fires can take hours to put out. It can take two hours or more for batteries to cool once burned out, or firefighters must continuously dump water on the car for up to 8 hours.

My colleague Assemblywoman Bethanne McCarthy Patrick is an EMT who says first responders should be better prepared for such situations. She has proposed legislation that requires firefighter and EMT training to combat EV fires.

I’ve been concerned about EV battery hazards as well. I’ve introduced legislation to require the state to come up with a sign to inform people, particularly first responders, that EV batteries are stored in a building or facility.

This is because EV batteries can cause not only fires, but also explosions, electrocutions, and chemical leaks. The sign will warn first responders and allow them to proceed with caution when responding to an emergency in an EV battery facility.

I’ve also proposed legislation to help in the repurposing of EV batteries. Lithium-ion batteries, which are the most common EV batteries today, contain toxic chemicals that should not be put into landfills, since they could be hazardous, contaminate nearby soil and water, and potentially explode if mishandled.

Many used EV batteries retain up to 70 percent of their capacity when they are no longer able to power a vehicle effectively. For this reason, it is cost-effective for these used batteries to be reused for alternate purposes, such as home energy storage, power for streetlights, power to back-up elevators, and solar energy storage, until they are fully drained of their battery life prior to recycling or disposal.

My legislation creates a task force to study safe storage, repurposing, and disposal of EV batteries, creates a fund to support those actions, and exempts the sale of repurposed batteries from the sales tax.

I’m happy to help build this airplane, but it would be better if the plane were still on the ground.

Alex Sauickie is a life-long Jackson resident who represents his home town and 13 other towns in the State Assembly. Follow him on Facebook (/AssemblymanAlex) and on Instagram (@AssemblymanAlex), or visit his website at AssemblymanAlex.com.

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Centers: Continued From Page 1 against Army in East Rutherford at MetLife Stadium. He has since regained movement in his shoulders and sensation throughout his body. As of 2020, LeGrand has been making consistent recovery at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation.

LaGrand said, “I was hoping to make it to the NFL. The amount of support I had was important. I was 20 years old and scared.” He said that through adversity, “I wake up every morning with a purpose. Without healthcare I wouldn’t be here today. It isn’t about a pay check it is about the people you help, your patients. You do things that help people.”

The OHI event included the New Jersey Primary Care Association (NJPCA), U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Region II, New Jersey Department of Human Services, New Jersey Department of Health, OHI President and CEO Dr. Theresa Berger, and Toms River Township Mayor Maurice “Mo” Hill.

Dr. Berger noted that “health centers are responsible for providing critical care to

Homeless:

Continued From Page 4 strong, energetic young men and they really helped out. It was harder on some of the others that were there, and they were exhausted.”

He added, “we moved everything that was valuable, but there were some things that were left behind.”

Brigham reported that almost half of the original community at the encampment chose to leave when offered temporary shelter in hotels. The belongings they left behind were not considered a priority during the relocation process and remain in the vicinity near the powerlines.

Among Brigham’s current worries is how to ensure a steady supply of essentials for those still at the encampment. To abide by trespassing laws, he has devised a plan to use a kayak to travel through the river within the area, allowing him to access and provide support to those in need without violating any regulations.

Thirteen individuals who continue to live in the makeshift settlement have over 30 million residents of our beautiful land, regardless of who they are, where they come from, or whether they can pay for their services.”

“Health centers serve a vital role in our nation’s local communities by fi lling in the gaps that other healthcare providers neglect: the poor, the undocumented, the disadvantaged and disenfranchised. It is organizations such as these that deliver on the promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all Americans and every person who graces our land,” she added.

“National Health Center Week is a great time to recognize the contributions of our centers and spread the news about the availability of high quality, affordable care at each and every one of the 1,400 health centers and their 14,000 plus sites across the country,” NJPCA President and CEO Selina Haq said.

“Our centers are unique in the care they provide, the communities they serve, and the linkages to life-saving resources they create for their patients, and NJPCA is proud to celebrate this week in recognition of their extraordinary services,” she added.

New Jersey’s 23 FQHCs and one FQHC retained legal counsel to ensure their rights are protected. Attorney Jeffrey J. Wild of Lowenstein Sandler, who serves as a Trustee of the New Jersey Coalition to End Homelessness, has been retained to advocate on their behalf.

In 2019, Wild successfully secured funds for members of another homeless community, established by Destiny’s Bridge in Howell, which were specifically allocated for relocation and temporary housing expenses.

According to Wild, he personally visited the encampment last week and was deeply disturbed by the conditions he witnessed. The outside temperature felt like nearly 110 degrees, making the situation incredibly challenging. Additionally, the presence of two women relying on oxygen added to the already precarious nature of their circumstances.

“These men and women would love not to have to fight to survive in the woods,” Wild asserted. “All of them would love to have adequate indoor housing.”

He added that since his clients have moved from the edge of the JCP&L property, they are not considered trespassers. Currently, they are situated on public land deep within a park, where they are causing no disturbances and are not bothering anyone.

“Under the United States Constitution and other parts of the law, they have the right to be there,” said Wild. “Governments cannot criminalize homelessness. It is cruel and unusual punishment to treat people as criminals just because they have no place to sleep but outdoors.”

“They have a right to live there if the government provides no other place,” Wild added. “Ocean County has consistently refused to provide a homeless shelter. So, it is a very unfortunate situation.”

Although the attorney mentioned his firm has used litigation to advocate for look-a-like serve nearly 600,000 patients across all 21 counties of the State and provide over 2.02 million primary, dental, and behavioral healthcare visits for their patients annually.

“Each year we celebrate National Health Center Week, spotlighting our Federally Qualified Health Centers and the vital primary care services provided for the most vulnerable people in our communities, people who often think quality, life-saving care may be hard to attain,” NJPCA Board Chair and Metropolitan Family Health Network President and CEO Joan Dublin said.

Cheryl Donald, Regional Administrator U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, said “health centers protect and promote the health of more than 30 million people in the U.S. For 58 years, health centers have delivered affordable, accessible, and high-quality primary health care to millions of people, regardless of their ability to pay. No one is turned away.”

NJ Department of Human Services Deputy Commissioner Elisa Neira said, “New Jersey’s community health centers serve as a lifeline for some of our most vulnerable the homeless, he sees it as a last resort. His initial discussions with Toms River authorities have left him with the impression that they are of the mindset of helping people rather than prosecuting them.

During their initial visit to the camp, Toms River Police arrived in plain clothes with the purpose of escorting representatives from different organizations that Chief Little believed could provide valuable resources.

In collaboration with local authorities, a range of groups has stepped forward to offer assistance, including Just Believe, Inc., Bright Harbor Healthcare, Ocean County Board of Social Services, Affordable Housing Alliance, Mental Health Association, Ocean County Board of Senior Services, HABcore, and Soldier On.

“The problem we’re facing is that it is not a one size fits all,” offered Little. “You can’t just throw money at it. There are other issues involved and that’s why we had to try to get everybody we could get together to try to meet the needs of the people in there and get them services as quickly as possible.”

Little said he was particularly concerned about the rising temperatures and the impact it could have on those living outside. As assorted people took advantage of the access to medical and psychiatric attention, some original members of the encampment accepted housing offers.

Of the group, 18 were placed in some kind of temporary housing situation, Little said. “But, again, it could be only a temporary solution, and they end up right back where they started, or in a different place. If they come back to the same place, at least they have a support group there.”

One of those who remained behind said she did so for that very reason. She worried that she and her family would receive only a short-term placement in a populations. Expanding health care access to more New Jerseyans continues to be a priority for this administration, and the state’s community health centers play a role in this effort.”

“They provide preventative and primary health care to individuals and families who may otherwise not have access to these services; serving patients regardless of income, insurance or immigration status.” Neira added.

Members of the public were able to receive free COVID-19 testing and vaccines as well as other testing and screenings. These vaccines and screenings were administered by OHI. Anyone six months and above was eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination.

Mayor Hill, a former dentist, thanked health care providers.

“Your compensation could probably be higher in the private sector but it shows your commitment to your patients and for that I want to thank you. I also want to recognize OHI’s 20 years of providing high quality health care for the residents of Toms River, Ocean and Monmouth counties. OHI provides a wide range of services to our most vulnerable residents.” hotel and then be asked to vacate. There was comradery in staying within the community, even if it meant living in the woods.

Paul Hulse, CEO of Just Believe, said they brought out an oxygen tank and a wheelchair, provided by Social Service. They paid for storage units for some campers for three months.

Collaborating with other nonprofits, some housing opportunities started to open up, he said. Additionally, three dogs and two cats were placed with help from Helping Assist with Melis pet connection.

Both Brigham and Hulse have said that Ocean County needs to establish a homeless shelter as a proactive measure to address the ongoing issue. Little said that he would be in favor of a shelter if it would help local people who are displaced.

“The problem with shelters is that if it’s the only one in the area,” shared Little. “It’s going to draw people from other places. We’d then have people in our town that wouldn’t have been here before seeking services. We could get overwhelmed.”

Certain homeless individuals might choose to decline offers of shelter for various reasons. These concerns include worries about inadequate storage space for their belongings, difficulties in accommodating their pets, or resistance to abide by shelter rules.

Additionally, others may be dealing with mental illness, which could also influence their decision to forego accepting shelter assistance.

The chief confirmed that the township has no plans to forcibly remove those who have chosen to stay at the encampment. Instead, they are actively seeking a collaborative approach with their attorney to identify a solution for housing and secure the necessary funding. The authorities remain optimistic about finding a resolution that benefits those in need.

Zoning:

Continued From Page 1 spot on the Open Space Commission or the Planning Board, that is a decision that involves Mayor Michael Reina. If it is the Zoning Board of Adjustment, that falls to the Township Council.

Resident Peter Vincinio questioned Councilwoman Jennifer Kuhn about his Zoning Board application during a recent council meeting.

Kuhn said she had asked for all the Zoning Board applications from January 1, 2022 and expressed concern that vacancies on that board needed to be filled soon.

“I never received your application. That was the case in point. It never came to me,” Kuhn said.

“I submitted another application today,” Vincinio said asking if she had received that one.

Kuhn said Vincinio’s original application had been reviewed by her and went to “then-Council President (Martin) Flemming and reviewed some things about your social media and felt it was probably not a great fit and I brought it to Council President Flemming.”

“He took you off the agenda because of your social media,” Kuhn added. She said that when she asked for the applications from January 2022 to now, “somehow your application is no longer existing. I did not receive it a second time.”

Vincinio asked where applications are sent.

“They come in different ways,” Business Administrator Terence Wall explained.

“They come in through different e-mails because some folks can go on site and send them through the administrative e-mail or the clerk’s e-mail.”

He said that typically, the town would want a copy at the Clerk’s office because the clerk is the official keeper of the records from the State of New Jersey’s perspective.

“Every week we see arguing up here, ‘I didn’t see this,’ ‘I didn’t see that.’ If you give everyone access that would cut all that out,” Vincinio suggested.

“Aren’t we concerned that mine disappeared? These are documents as he said that should be preserved. I submitted six applications in the last year.”

He also recommended that the applicants be interviewed in person. “I fi nd it very unusual. There are people in here in this room regularly and then we see people get these positions that I’ve never seen in this room in my life.”

“I fi nd that very unusual, too. People who sit in this room come here to see what is going on. I’ve been coming here for 19 years,” Vincinio said.

“I don’t disagree with you sir,” Kuhn responded.

Vincinio replied, “well I’ve never seen you here either actually.”

“No, you haven’t. I was asked to run for council and I accepted because I am a resident of Jackson and I love our town. I wasn’t coming to council meetings,” she replied.

“Isn’t that unusual?” the resident asked.

“No, I thought the town was being run fine. I didn’t feel a need to. Obviously, you are here because you have a question. I didn’t have any questions therefore I didn’t attend.”

Former Zoning Board President Sheldon Hofstein noted that “usually when a new member comes on, no matter how much experience they’ve had, they usually start as an alternate member. They don’t become a regular voting member and I think that should continue.”

Hofstein commented on the prior meeting of the governing body which also included accusations of transparency, the sunshine law and alleged secret meetings between council members.

“I’ve attended hundreds of council meetings in my 23 years as a Jackson resident. Many of those meetings were very long and very contentious especially when we had a viable two-party system here,” he added. Hofstein said, “never at any of those meetings did I ever witness a meeting as chaotic as the last one. Never had I seen a council president lose control of the meeting.” He thanked Kuhn for “stepping up and putting an end to that fiasco.”

Council President Steve Chisholm has called recent accusations between council members – or council members and residents - as politically motivated “chicanery.”