February 2014

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—Even though the state's two largest cities have adopted laws requiring paid sick leave for private sector employees, New Brunswick's city government is hesitant to follow suit.

"At this time the mayor is not in favor of doing that," said Russell Marchetta, a spokesman for Mayor James Cahill, at the November 6 City Council meeting.

Council President Rebecca Escobar had previously said she would be inclined to support a paid sick leave policy, but that the city did not have an official position.

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—Two law firms connected to allies of Gov. Chris Christie have been working with Boraie Development, a city-based developer that received millions in state funding, tax incentives, and government loans.

Wolff & Samson and Gibbons PC have each worked with Boraie in different capacities over the past several years.

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—Condoleezza Rice, the former National Security Advisor and US Secetary State, has been named one of the commencement speakers for the 248th graduation ceremony at Rutgers. 

The decision to hire Rice, who served as the first black female Secretary of State from 2005-2009, was made in a unanimous vote by the Rutgers University Board of Governors last week in Newark.

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—Around 900 Rutgers faculty members, mostly adjuncts, also known as "non-tenure track professors," are closing a tense bargaining session over pay increases and better job titles.

The American Association of University Professors-American Federation of Teachers (AAUP-AFT) attained several improvements for the non-tenure track professors in the latest agreement, which was recently approved by the union.

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—On a frigid night in New Brunswick, a faithful group of music lovers gathered at Makeda on George Street to hear the great Joe Magnarelli and his quartet play with enough fire to keep them warm.

Magnarelli is an established trumpeter renowned for his post-bop proficiency, and this show did not disappoint. On Herbie Hancock’s “Driftin,” Magnarelli opened the show with effortless flurries of notes and a brassy, cornet-like tone that brought a smile to my face.

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—A gender-themed art exhibit is coming to Voorhees Mall on the Rutgers University campus in April, and organizers are currently seeking artwork to put on display in the heavily-trafficked area.

The exhibit will have accommodations for all media types and submissions are welcome from all New Brunswick residents. Each artist can submit up to 3 pieces of work, and organizers say the submissions should address stereotypes or myths about gender, equality, and love.

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—Christie administration officials admitted there were two errors in a press release touting the credentials of a politically-connected developer that received $4.8 million in Hurricane Sandy recovery funds to help fund a luxury apartment tower going up on Somerset Street.