New Jersey’s Election Debate Missing Real Issues for Voters

Note: This is an auto-generated transcript from YouTube. Please be aware that there may be spelling or transcription errors.

Bill Spadia is compensated for commercial and nonprofit appearances. The opinion of the hosts, callers, and guests on this program are not those of New Jersey 101.5, Towns Square Media, or station advertisers. Billy's back. Billy's back. Time for Jersey to call in his [Music] 610 on New Jersey 101.5. Good morning. I am Bill Spadia. A lot to get to on this Tuesday morning. Dan, it felt like fall this morning. It was It wasn't bad. Yeah, comfortably still in the 50s. Yeah. Yeah, I loved it. Um damp and raw and, you know, still feeling um coastal stormish out there. It uh when I I was out early this morning. It was still a little misty. Um you know, but but last night uh bringing a package in, Amazon dropped something off and they left it at the end of the driveway for some reason. And and I'm like, "Oh, it's like it's a it was I don't know what it was. It was um Yeah, misty is probably the right word. It was like a cool steam shower. Yeah. Uh and that's because you live on the western side of New Jersey. You saw very little rain and just a little bit the damp weather. Meanwhile, central Ocean County got 4 inches of rain. I was going to say Berkeley Township, I saw 4 in 4 inches of rain and and a lot of that came yesterday, which was a little surprising. I thought it was just going to be showers. And I think the problem is this was so persistent. This coastal storm has just been with us for 48 hours. It was just blowing the wind and there just the constant bands of rain and just would not let up. And of course that's what led to the dramatic coastal flooding scene yesterday afternoon. That major flooding at the Jersey Shore. You had mentioned in your report earlier uh high tide today and tomorrow still a concern. Still a concern because the back bays are full. We call it stacking where you you have all this water that's been pushing up against the shore and literally filling the bays and the tributaries and it can't drain until those winds calm down and basically until the wind shifts around and blows the water out again. We are going to continue to see minor category flooding over the next few high tide cycles. It is not going to be as bad as yesterday. But, you know, we have all these vulnerable spots that may still have puddles from yesterday's, you know, moderate to major flooding um that are going to flood again and and they are this morning. We're at high tide on the back bays now. Next high tide will be late this afternoon into this evening. And then two more high tide cycles tomorrow could see minor category flooding. We saw uh Beach Haven West had a little bit of water coming up over the docks. You know, I was I was looking at the Barnagate Bay and Manahhawk and Bay specifically, and it looks like a top five recorded crest really uh no matter what gauge you look at. And that's pretty impressive. You know, the record of course is Sandy. Nowhere near Sandy level flood, but still hot. But anytime you're in that conversation is is pretty impressive. And top five, I mean, it was it was very dramatic. And this is why people paid all that money to raise your houses. This is why we take flooding so seriously, cuz all you can do when coastal flooding is in the forecast is just hold your breath. Hope it doesn't. Hope the water goes down at some point. There's really nothing else you can do at that point. Mother Nature. Yes. Thanks, Dan. Eric, there's a lot to get to today. The the mall stabbing in Carney, you see that? And Marshalls, what the hell? But I wanted to ask you um about the word dumbfounded. So uh Mikey Cheryl is uh in her words dumbfounded that uh Jack the Republican nominee is suing or is saying he will sue. Now here's my question for you. You've been doing this what what what are we at now? 35 years going 35. Yeah. Yeah. Like a 100 years. Um, and you you've been doing politics and covering it more than a lot of our listeners have been alive. I know. Sorry, not to aid you. Uh, but to establish some expertise. Um, but but I I mean this here we are, what are we 21 days from the election? Yeah. So, 3 weeks from today, voting has already started. And we are still having a conversation about the Republicans former business. And the debate is over whether or not he was responsible for tens of thousands of fentanyl deaths. Well, or opioid deaths. Um, you know, I mean, it fentanyl, opioids, right? The whole the idea was he had a company that essentially apologized for provided cover for big pharma, saying things like opioids are not that addictive. Yeah. It was a medical publishing firm. They published manuals on the prescription of opioids. Among the articles that they published was that the risk of opioid misuse was low among patients with chronic pain. It was and and most have said that that attitude of of downplaying the addiction risk is what ultimately led to um tens of thousands of opioid overdose deaths. So that's the that's the loose connection, right? So I was just going to say, correct me if I'm wrong, we're in the highest tax state in the country. Y we have some of the worst record on affordability. Yep. Uh 50th in many surveys in terms of business climate. Y transportation infrastructure is a problem. Pensions are underfunded. I mean, the list goes on. I could probably go on to list another 20 issues that are not that. How is this still the number one issue in the campaign for governor 21 days out? Because the Republican candidate has done nothing to really defend himself um or talk about that company that he once owned and made millions from when he sold it. Um you know, I mean, look, it's a it's a stretch to make that link. Um I should say that no lawsuit has been filed as of yet. Um the Republican nominees attorney said that it would be filed this week. And in fact, you had Who's that? Sheridan. Sheridan. Yeah. Um and in fact, you had Cheryl who doubled down on those claims. She brought Congressman Palone. She brought um you know, drug counselors, people who have been affected by opioid deaths, um all in to to basically hammer the Republican nominee. I mean, and it was it was a pretty damning statement from one of the guys um whose brother became addicted to opioids and died uh who's who basically held everybody from big pharma to those who push the pills accountable. Um and came right out and said at this news conference, "Admit your responsibility, move forward, come up with coherent ideas to help people." Yeah. You could have a Republican nominee who would come forward and say, "Look, yes, I I admit this is a problem. Um, my goal now to be your governor is to figure out how we help break the addiction cycle." There there is a way to turn that into a positive, but instead he's running from the question. Yeah. Well, um, he answered the Well, he responded though during the debate. At least he walked in his college graduation. Well, wow. Wow. Question for you. Are you uh have you voted already? And uh what what does the Republican need to do to earn your vote? Because honestly, just calling Balls and Strikes here, we're 21 days out and we're talking about a company he owned uh a decade ago and that's the driving issue for voting on November 4th. It seems insane to me. Are we How are we not talking about affordability? 1800 283101.5 is the number. 618 traffic and weather. Next, New Jersey 101.5. This Thursday, we increase the daily at work payday from $1,000 to $10,000. Yes, $10,000. [Music] Win big with New Jersey 101.5 powered by Nissan. Fall starts with Nissan. Route 46, Route 17, Edison Nissan and Route 33 Nissan, where buying is always fun and easy. 6:23 on New Jersey 101.5. Good morning. I am Bill Spadia. Um, it's Tuesday, 21 days until the election. And equally important, 16 shopping days left till Joe Carillo's day. But we couldn't miss this one this year. So, it's a big deal. You know, I uh I asked the question, what uh what what is the Republican nominee need to do to win? I I wrote an article four years ago and I I gave three um I'm sorry, six points. And I said, you know, if he follows these six points, at least pick one of them. I think that that he would have won last time. Didn't pick one. And I'll just go back. I I pulled the article up. It was eliminate vaccine mandates, eliminate uh with executive order mask mandates for all schools. Um take down the government roadblocks and create tax incentives for reopening because remember we were still closed down. Restore the job of anybody fired for not following CO mandates. Um announced that Jersey ports would accept all ships currently anchored offshore to pull that business out from Florida and the Carolinas here. Didn't happen. uh and uh and I talked about a tax incentives for those that have opted out of public schools. Things that could have at least been a part of the conversation, but here we are 21 days out. What are we talking about this year? Four years later, we're talking about opioids. Let's go to Jim in Bucks County. Morning, Jim. Hey, good morning, Bill. I was just curious uh question for you. Yeah. How come you with the Republican nominee um you never mentioned his name? Oh, I thought I did this morning. I thought I said Jack this morning. Well, maybe once, but you your comments just several minutes ago is a Republican candidate, Republican candidate, but you dropped Mikey Cheryl's name. Now, I'm a registered Republican, and I'm just curious if we're afraid that recognition on the ballot by hearing his name on your great show so much um will, you know, Well, we you know, Jim, we've offered for Jack to come on many times. As a matter of fact, um Eric Scott, in my absence, now think about this, Jim. I was running for governor. I was off the air. I was a candidate for for a year, announced June 17, 24, lost the primary June 10th, 25. And during that time, after I won the legal proceedings because Jack and and my other opponents sued, uh, tried to get me fired through ELAC. So, that was sneaky and nasty, but we beat them. And then I voluntarily came off the air January 31st. I'm off the air se what, six months. Yet yet he refused to even return a call or a text from anybody in the newsroom from from Eric Scott who he knows personally. So um I understand why most around here really don't want to mention his name because this the disrespect for this organization was so high. I mean to the Democrats point they return calls. They'll they they uh they will interact with us. Now Cheryl's not come on. They've come gone on other shows, but they refused to come on the morning show. Uh, you know, the invitation is still out there, Jim. So, there I think there were some there was some disrespect and shade being thrown from the Republican candidate. And you know what's amazing is he actually went on with Trev and said, "Yes, I'll come on Eric's show." But then never returned a text, never returned a call. So, Jack's got a history of saying one thing, doing another, and it's it's a real problem. I'll tell you something, Jim. I think it's one of the reasons why the race is still centered on his mistakes in the past, whether it was the opioid thing or the the stupid comment he made about her not walking to graduation. How are we not talking about taxes, affordability, and energy prices now? 21 days out, right? I get it completely. Yeah. And thank you for the explanation. It makes a lot more sense to me now. All right. Thanks, Jim. I appreciate the call. Thanks for calling. Yeah. if if you have an issue with something I've said or haven't said. Um, but there is a level of respect and and guys, you know, I take my job here seriously. I also value my colleagues and the fact that our news anchor was so disrespected while I was uh on leave running for governor to me uh is is shameful. And yeah, I stand by my guys and to me, loyalty matters. And my loyalty is to my friends and colleagues here at New Jersey 101.5. And maybe if the Republican candidate had stepped up and been a man about it and returned some calls or texts, it would be a different situation. But here we are now, largest audience in the state, and you're the one being disrespected. Not only do I stand up for my colleagues, but I stand up for you. Largest listening audience in the state of New Jersey. You've been disrespected because the number one top show, the Republican refuses to come on. What What What else can I say about that? 1-800 283101.5 is my number. Uh do you think it's time we start talking about affordability and what either of these candidates are going to do to bring cost down in the Garden State? 629. Eric Scott with the news next. 638 on New Jersey 101.5. Good morning. I am Bill Spadia. We uh do have a lot to get to. Um, Eric, before I I want to mention this this crazy Did anybody get hurt in the Marshalls? Like, was no one was killed, right? No, the woman the victim, the woman who was stabbed, she's going to be okay. She was taken to the hospital. She should be okay. Her injuries were not life-threatening. What about the per is there video? I haven't seen any surveillance video. You got to think that at some point because they most of these places now have cameras in their lot, right? I mean, everywhere. Uh, haven't seen any yet. We'll have to do a request for it. Um but then and they found the woman who bought the kitchen knives, took one out and stabbed another woman in the parking lot. According to police, she fled back into the store. They found her hiding in the bathroom of that Marshall store. The bloody knife was laying on a baby changing station. Unbelievable. So she went through the purchase of the knife. Yes. And then stabbed her in the parking lot angry about what? The line. I thought she was mad about the long line. Well, she was mad about the line. And apparently she and the victim were arguing in the line about the line. Now, you know, police haven't said what they were saying to one another. Can you imagine? I mean, it was and you're going to figure she had to go track the other woman down in the parking lot because she was waiting to pin purchase the kitchen knives, which she used as a weapon, according to the police report. You know how sometimes they when you buy something they it's it's attached to the packaging and you've got like the little tieups that make it really difficult, right? Yeah. I'm impressed at how quickly she got the knife out cuz I fight with things like that. They're like, "Oh, I got to untwist this and pull it out and tear this." I'm like, "Who the hell packages these things?" Um, yeah. So, what she she's being charged with attempted murder? Uh, she uh not yet. They haven't they have not a charge. I mean, talk about ways to ruin your life at 25 years old, right? Well, I mean, what an idiot. Like, was she high? I mean, who knows, right? We don't know any of that. I have a friend of mine who there's a there's a joke about him because every time he goes to Costco, he winds up getting into an argument with somebody either in the Costco or in the parking lot. And his kids are like, "No, you're not allowed to go to Costco anymore." Why does he get so aggravated at Costco? He's just one of these guys who gets aggravated at everything. Yeah. Um, and you know, we're like, you know what we need as society? We need to start bottling up our emotions a little more. Crush them down. Don't always let them out. Push them down. I mean, just I mean, that's Is that opposite of what they say in psychology? I I say crush those emotions right down to the pit of your stomach. Don't worry. I mean, is it you'll be fine? Is it insensitive to say that I'm a wasp? That I you know, that I have a a wasp background cuz you keep the emotions bottled up. Well, no. I I don't know if that's appropriate to say anymore. Is that an insensitive? I don't know. I I But that Yes. I mean, that is a typical trait of a white Anglo-Saxon Protestant is that you bottling up your emotions. Bottle up. This is why Dennis Malloy challenged my Italian ethnicity. Right. He's like, "You are way too unemotional to really be Italian." When when Elizabeth was flying back to London, I'm like, "All right, I'll see you." Well, that's the Japanese in you. That's the Japanese in me. Japanese also very stoic, very calm, measured. We don't let our emotions out. Huh? Yeah, I think you can say Wasp. It's a great question. I don't know. We should ask the audience, are you offended by this? Yeah. Are you um what isn't offensive today? I push the envelope now. I wonder like cuz when back during co you get cancelceled for anything and I was bounced off of every platform at one point or another X and Facebook and YouTube. Now, I I was I I wrote this article yesterday about celebrating Columbus Day, and I talked about the savagery and cannibalism of the um Indian population when Columbus got here. And I wrote the article and I'm like, "Huh, I wonder if we're going to get cancelled for that." And and no, actually, it sparked a pretty good conversation about the reality of history. So I don't I think so my bottom line is I think you can say that your wasp heritage allows you to keep your emotions bottled up where they belong. Eric, we don't need your damn emotions spilling out all over the airwaves. You know how many times we we were at dinner as kids and my father would wag his finger and go, "We don't talk about that at the dinner table." Right? You talk about anything at the dinner table. Shut up crap to yourself. Now see, growing up in an Italian household, we would fight over things cuz the news would be on. Actually, this show kind of goes back to my family kitchen table. The news would be on, we'd hear something and I would like to provoke a little bit. So, I would take a contrarian opinion. Then, 12, 13 years old. Be an interesting conversation. If I'm if I'm talking about something and all of a sudden your head snaps up from your from your phone on your phone, you can see it happening. Maybe the Italian does come out. I don't hide my emotions. Anyway, have you ever got I I I What is even the question that I'm going to ask? Have you ever been in a fight in a line, whether it's Costco or Marshalls, woman gets stabbed for an argument online? What is your retail experience been like? And if you're a retail store owner, what are you doing to keep tensions calm? Because I don't know about you, but I think people are way crazier today than they've ever been. Tensions run high at every level. Whether you're driving, whether you're online at the gas station, a big box store, people are unhinged. What do you think? 1800283101.5 643. Fast traffic instant weather. Next, New Jersey 101.5. Remember, this Thursday, the $1,000 a day at work payday increases to $10,000. The fun kicks off at 8 a.m. right here on New Jersey 101.5 powered by Nissan. Fall starts with Nissan Route 46, Route 17, Edison Nissan, and Route 33 Nissan, where buying is always fun and easy. 5 63 on New Jersey 101.5. Good morning. I am Bill Spadia with you till 10:00 this morning talking Jersey. Taking your calls. 1800 283 101.5. I want to thank Paul Inuing for the app chat post of the morning so far talking about the woman in Marshalls who bought a kitchen knife and then proceeded to stab another woman in a parking lot. His message is this. She doesn't always buy kitchen knives, but when she does, she stabs her fellow citizen in the parking lot 10 minutes later. She is the craziest, most patient woman in the world. Thank you, Paul. Right. Imagine, and my question to you is, have you have you been in a kurfuffle in a line where you've been pissed off? We've all been annoyed and you get aggravated standing in line and people can be aggravating. Have you noticed though it's getting worse? John in Southampton boy, good morning. Good morning, Bill. Welcome back. Thank you, man. Appreciate that. Good to be back. What do you think? Especially from a truck especially from a truck driver every morning. I live to take it. Thank you. Appreciate all the guys out there who are passing through Jersey and tuning into the show every morning. Thank you, John. Appreciate that. Yeah, really. So, Bill, what I've been noticing, I'm not going to name the store, but they used to have their own return line. Yeah. Okay. So, what I'm noticing is they got the five selfch checkckout uh cashiers. Okay. M and there's like 15 to 20 people online but some of them are returning clothes and some of them are buying clothes. So what people are doing is the machines are sitting there empty and if you don't ask or cut in front of somebody and say I'm going to go to the machine you could just see interactions already happening. So, when I heard this story this morning with you, I'm just thinking like you're starting to see like why don't they just have their own line for returns? You know, it's funny you say that. What I'm thinking as you said that, John, I was in a store. I had to buy a um a frame. We got one of the movie posters from one of the films we made uh that uh they sent me the poster. I'm like, "Ah, that looks pretty cool. I'm going to I'm going to put that up." And I I I usually buy things online because it's easier when I'm, you know, my insane schedule. But I'm like, I need a frame now. I want to put this up uh because the the everyone's going to appreciate it. So, I went to a one of the big stores out on Route One and the same thing happened, John. The line was backed up. There were four empty check selfch checkckout. And I'm like, I don't know. So, what So, I'm like, what do I do? Do I like cut the line all the way because they had a single file and I was like four people, five people back. So eventually and and and I'm looking at the clerks. I'm like, why are you not indicating people can go one way or the other? I ended up doing just that. I'm like, "Excuse me, excuse me." And I just walked up and I used it and I got out. But but it it it took a minute cuz I didn't want to piss everybody off, right? You want to get along. Oh, it's funny. Yeah. It's so funny because you can see the people standing there with their clothes that they're going to return, right? And some people are mixed in just standing there. So all of a sudden I'm like tenth online. I go, "Excuse me, excuse. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. Uh is that cashier open?" They're like, "Yeah, go ahead." Now, why is it there a manager indicating people that it's open? That is a fault of the store 100%. John, thanks, man. Be safe on the roads today. Appreciate the call. Everybody else, hang in there. 1-800 283101.5 is my number. talking about the scene at Marshalls where uh one woman stabs another woman after buying a kitchen knife. Apparently they had an argument about how long the line was. Have you seen the tensions rise in retail across New Jersey recently? I have 1800 283101.5 657. Eric Scott with the news 2 and a half minutes. Stay connected with traffic and weather updates every 15 minutes right here on New Jersey 101.5. [Music] 710 on New Jersey 101.5. I am Bill Spadia. Hey, uh I as I've said, we're 21 days out from the election. Uh Eric, I don't know if you know, we are now 16 shopping days. Kathy, I don't know if you know, 16 shopping days till Joe Carillo's day. I mean, it's coming up fast. You like the song, don't you? And that's just the chorus. And that's just the chorus. Yeah. It's it's the full song. I I'll play it later just in honor of getting people in the holiday spirit. Well, it's time to start getting into the spirit, right? Because, you know, here it comes. It's going to be Joe Carrill's day. Then it's going to be Halloween. Then it's going to be Thanksgiving. Christmas is going to be here before you know it. And all of a sudden, it's July 4th, right? I'm ready for the summer. Thanks for reminding me. All right. 21 days to the election. As promised on Tuesdays ahead of the election, I give you an opportunity to weigh in. And look, you know where I stand. I have not made nor do I intend to make an endorsement in the statewide campaign for governor because I believe the way the pathway for New Jersey rests in our local candidates and campaign. So, everybody has to do their part. I'm doing mine. first as a candidate, now as an advocate. And my job is to give you an opportunity to build your case as a local candidate. Because guys, we're never going to turn the state around until we elect common sense, strong fighters at the local level to lead our boards of education, to lead our towns, to lead um our not only our municipalities, but our counties. Local matters. You want to turn this place around, we got to do what the Democrats did in 1993, and that is start from the ground up. And there is no quick fix. And you can see by both of the candidates running at the top of of the state level that you won't get a fix on November 5th. You might start to turn it around if we get some solid, strong, principled leaders elected at the local level. Joining me now is one of those strong, principled, tough leaders. His name is Jim Dobas and he's running for Middletown Board of Ed. Good morning, Jim. Good morning, Bill. How are you? I'm good. So, tell me about your race. Tell me what you're up against and why do people need to turn that ballot over and put your name in? Well, back earlier this spring, um the the uh community of Middletown received a letter from the superintendent basically saying that they had a budget shortfall and she was using this opportunity to launch uh Middletown Reimagined and uh that didn't sit well with the the town members uh cuz you know we don't um we we don't put our our faith in the hands of a superintendent of of a board of schools to reimagine our town for us. And basically what she planned on doing was closing two elementary schools and merging them into the the footprint of a middle school and then taking that middle school and uh re re redistricting them into uh the two pre-existing middle school. How did that sit with parents? Not well at all. Um because a it didn't make sense. One of one of them one of the elementary schools it would have went right back to the uh the ownership of the Naving Public Library. The other one is on school property anyway. And you know, if you were going to piece that out and try to sell it and make some money off of it, you're not going to get anything because there's there's still school property attached to it. And then the two other middle schools, they would have been overpacked as it was. So this was um you know I I I believe and I think it's the belief of a lot of people in the town that this is is cooked up by um you know a a party of a small few people um aligned with the mayor and uh and everybody else. Well and Jim they're bad actors. I mean the one I don't know if it's your school board vice president who I tried to give good advice to more than a year ago when I said you guys need to scrap this whole 5756. Instead, they were so arrogant and so reckless with the public money that they effectively brought a lawsuit on themselves. Uh, and we all saw it coming. The mayor is just, you know, he's sour grapes guy now because he thought he should have been the candidate for lieutenant governor. Uh, the one good thing that Chitterelli did was at least he picked a a great candidate for lieutenant governor and Jim Ganon. Uh, skipping over the spoiled brat who is the mayor in Middletown. You know, Jim, these are serious times and parents deserve serious leaders. Give me your number one priority and how do people get in touch with you? Number one priority is electing new board leadership because they they monopolize all committees, especially finance, negotiations, and um policy. And they also are the only two that are sitting on shared services. So, they're having these little uh circular meetings between the mayor and and a couple other people that are appointed uh without minutes and and it's totally untransparent. So, January 6th, we'll have our reorganization meeting. If I'm elected, I will not be supporting that leadership and uh we're going to get some new people in those two seats and we're going to get some new people on the committee. You know what you need to do, Jim? You need to get the politics, the nasty backroom politics. They they pretend they're nonpartisan. Meanwhile, they're maneuvering with the with the worst of the worst in the Republican back room, uh, pretending they stand up for kids and parental rights, and they're anything but that. They've probably caused more damage, and Middletown's a great town. It's a great town. It deserves great leadership. So, uh, Jim, you're you're on the ballot. What column are they voting for you in? Uh, I'm right on the top of the ballot. Good. So, you you'll see me first. Jim Dobbis. D O B I S. vote for Jim for Middletown Board of Education. Uh Jim, you're always uh welcome to call the show. I look forward to uh seeing you out and about on the trail. Thanks for joining us today. Appreciate it, Bill. Have a great one. Yeah, you too. Take care. Now, Jim Dobis, look for him on the bound if you're in Middletown. Guys, Middletown needs help. Really needs help. You've been led astray by some weward backroom cabal members and they're in it only for themselves. Guy like Jim is in it for you. He's wanting to serve the P. He doesn't need this. He's doing this because it's the right thing to do to stand up for Middletown parents and Middletown kids. All right. Are you a local candidate or do you have a local candidate you'd like to promote? 1800 283101.5716 Fast Traffic Instit. Where you can stay connected to everything happening in Jersey. This is New Jersey 101.5. [Music] 7:23 on New Jersey 101.5. Good morning. I am Bill Spadia. Um Jay Myra, we uh the other day we had a whole conversation about the newest craze in coffee. Cacao cacao. [Music] Pretty good. Been there. Been there, done that. Caca. So Dan, you are interested in trying the cacao. Very interested. But I feel like it's going to either be really good or really disappointing. Well, I made it on Sunday, folks, and I brought it in. I brought my French press and the beans. So, how how what are we doing with the hot water? Are we are we do using the water machine? Do we have a kettle? No, we heating the water. We have the the water here. Um the water here is hot water. And we're technically north of 195. So, it should be water. We're right at 195. So, if you're 10 miles south, water. So, the water here is spring and it's clear and it's ready to go. Yeah, I I just changed it yesterday. I'm just saying. I'm just Look, I'm just just questioning. We've got to So, you know, it comes out hot. Comes out hot. So, you're going to you're going to brew the cacao. Cacao. Don't get bitter. I had this song after I made this on Sunday. Could not get this song out of my head. All the dua day. I could not I would like to get all of New Jersey singing the song. I think it's really good. Been there, done that. Cacao, good way to wake up. And you got to yell cacao. Like it's it's the emposus. We We need to pull just that the sound bite of cacao. So we can throw that in at random points. Yeah. Kathy, you did say that, didn't you? Cacao. And there just the ah cacao. Is that easy to do? Yeah. Just the vocal. Just the vocal. You got to talk to the band. Yeah. What do we want to do? So we want to pull cacao. Right. And just that. That's our exclamation. I mean, when something goes good, just when something goes bad, cacao, you know what? It's like hola. It's It's both. It It's from a Batman cartoon. It's like kapow, you know? Um, it I I see it as a cartoon. Yeah. With the sparks around it. Like kapow. Like like Batman or Robin getting punched or throwing a punch. Right. Exactly. So cacao is good and bad. We're really excited about something. Cacao. Cacao. New Jersey chime time. Caca Joe Pillo's day 16 days away. Cacao may not be big enough. We couldn't miss this one this year. Um All right. So as not to get distracted. Yeah. You are going to go brew some cacao. I'm going to brew some cacao. And we're going to we'll do a taste test here. So you're not mixing any mushroom coffee. I'm going to bring it right in here because just straight cacao. It's a French press. You don't have to plug anything in it. We could do it right here in front of God and everyone. All right, we're ready. We're on this full. This is a full cacao. Not a half cacao. Full cacao. 7:26. Eric Scott with the news next. 7:37 on New Jersey 101.5. Good morning. I am Bill Spadia with you. 10:00 this morning. Talk New Jersey. Taking your calls. 1-800 283101.5. So, Eric, we were talking um was it in the news last week uh this issue regarding Marorrow in the school district and the board of education election where one of the challenging candidates wrote some pretty horrific stuff. Yeah. Really nothing incumbent. Yeah. It was in it was kind of in a group chat um and it was tacking the appearance of one of the incumbent board members, the Democrat that made those comments. has now withdrawn from the race, the person he was running with says she will not serve if she wins. Um, but it was uh as the as the statewide race for governor was getting nasty, um, basically the Democrat in Marboro said, "Hold my beer. Hold my beer." Right. Well, joining us now, Danielle Balomo, who is the incumbent uh board of ed member who was the target of this uh really really wildly inappropriate um political attack. Danielle, good morning. How are you? Hey, Bill. Good morning. Thanks for having me on. So, Danielle, you uh certainly one of the good guys and deserve reelection because of your stance on uh education, parental rights, etc. But this incident has blown the race wide open in a in a different direction. Tell me um as a candidate, as a mom, how did you feel? What was your reaction when you first heard uh or got wind of these uh text threats? Yeah, Bill. So, just a couple things. Um I am not a candidate in this election. I'm a sitting board member. I have two years left uh on my term. Um this year the uh candidates with conservative values um are Valentina Mendes, uh Carrie Jenowski, and Michael Lansky. Um these messages were directed at me as I was sitting on the desk serving um actually at at a meeting. Um and when I caught wind of these messages and I saw them for the first time um and I saw like cold hard words that they really don't want me alive. Yeah. Um when who showed it to you, Daniel? When did you first see it? It was in a group text, right? Yeah. So, it was in a group text. Um, and this this has been going on, this didn't just start a couple of months ago. Um, the torture and harassment online has been going on for the better part of two years. Um, but this was the first time that I could see that they truly didn't want me alive. Um, I got the messages, uh, you know, shown to me. Um and then after the initial messages that have been released um a lot more information um and messages have come forward of likeness. So let me ask you this. You have no intention of stepping down, right? You're going to continue to serve. So despite the threats, despite the uh attacks on your you and your family, uh you are standing firm as a member of the board of ed and not backing down. Of course, I'll always stand firm to protect parental rights um and to protect, you know, the age appropriate materials um that I want to see our children our children have in their education. So, what how has this changed the race now for the the three candidates who were running? Uh, the the one Democrat dropped out. The other one said she won't serve if she's elected. How has this changed the dynamic? Are they still out knocking on doors? Like, what's happening on the ground in Marboro? Yeah. So, they are still actively campaigning. Um, two of the members have made uh statements in their own right. Um, I'm not speaking on behalf of them or on behalf of any of the boards that I'm on. Um but from what in my opinion uh is going on is that both of the candidates on the other slate have dropped out. Um one remains Michael Alonssky who is the running mate um in the past of candidate Valentina Mendes. So they've joined together to to form one cohesive slate. Um and that's uh Valentina Mendes, Carrie Jianowski, and Michael Alonsky. Um, it does look throughout town like most of the other uh campaign materials from the other slate have been removed. And Danielle, what's the number one thing people need to know so when they go to their ballot and they they they see these names and I'm going to ask you to either uh text me their the website or what you want me to promote so people know that if they've got their ballot that they've already received, turn it over and check the box. But what is the driving message from you a as an incumbent? What's the goal and what are you looking to have when you get these new members hopefully elected on November 4th? What's the goal and what should parents expect? Yeah. So, Bill, it's a great question. since since January um when our board lost a conservative majority and lost our board members who stand for traditional values um and we the parental rights advocates became outnumbered. Our entire district switched its course. Um our key leaders they became unwilling to see past our like political differences and the political divides and they refused to help uh bring the temperature down. Um and instead they aiding and terrorizing Yeah. uh school board members um especially myself um and actually condoning the vile behaviors that make me a target time and time again. Um, so as we get to re-election time and election time, um, I'm hoping to see that that Marorrow prioritizes Marorrow, New Jersey, our county prioritizes people that will continue to put the needs of on the school board, our children, um, in in more local elections, our taxpayers. I mean, just the community at the forefront. Danielle, are you uh are you fearful for your safety? Absolutely. Um as more as more starts to come to light, um what has gone on is is vile. It's frightening. Um and it is there's a lot more than what has been released. Um that's made it very very difficult to to live in this community knowing um that there's community members and neighbors that walk amongst me that harbor so much hate for me because of my political view. And they hate you because you stand up for parental rights because you support what the president. What What is the hate coming from? Yeah. I mean, they they've tried to start a recall effort because they they believe I'm too Republican to be on a school board. Um and they have made it abundantly clear. Uh at the very same time that these messages got released, our board vice president was online calling me a bigot and saying that I was everything that was wrong in society. Um, so yeah, that that's kind of where this is coming from. Danielle, know that we've got your back. That I'm looking forward to knocking on doors with you when you're up for reelection. And I I hope and pray obviously that you are safe and your fellow candidates are safe and that you continue this mission for standing up for children, standing up for education and not indoctrination, and continue to stand up for common sense and mom and dad. So Danielle, thank you for your courage. I want to applaud you and I want everyone to to really absorb this point that here's a mom who ran for the school board, serves on the school board, has been on the receiving end of terrible, terrible comments and threats and is in fear of her safety, yet she continues to serve the people and stand up for kids and parents. Danielle, that is commendable. God bless you. Thank you so much, Bill. and thank you so much for having me on today with you. If anybody is interested, our meeting tonight to call for some safety measures um and some actions from our board uh is at 7 p.m. at Memorial Middle School in Marro. If you want to uh if you want to tag me in a a post on that, I'll be happy to share that with our social media list. Thank you so much, Bill. I appreciate you and everything you do. Thanks, Danielle. You take care. Be safe. We're praying for you. Danielle Balomo, Marbos Board of Ed. Think about that. a board of education member dealing with threats. The Democrats have become completely and utterly unhinged. And at the local level, we should no longer be tolerating this nonsense. They want to sexualize our children. They want to take away your rights as mom and dad. You need to vote in every one of those down ballot elections and get some people who will lead with common sense integrity and principles. and Danielle Balomo and is certainly one of them and her running mates and I'll be happy to share all the names, but um um stay tuned for more to come. If you're a local candidate, you want to weigh in, you want to talk to the largest audience in the state, the mic is yours, 1800 283101.5746 traffic. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and X, or visit NJ1015.com for the latest Jersey news and updates. New Jersey 101.5 [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] 753 on New Jersey 101.5. Good morning. I am Bill Spadia and uh yes, we're talking about cacao which uh cacao. Aloha. Get better, [Music] which is the best thing ever. It's chocolate. This is a healthy anti-inflammatory replacement for coffee. Oh, is that what this is? Well, I'm just saying inflammatory. It is. Yeah. The cacao bean is actually health food. This is good. Yes, it's healthy. This started healthy and but it smells like rich deep dark chocolate. I mean it's that Did you smell these uber dark? And by the way, my apologies on the Uber when Jill cuz I'm like oh uber dark which is just what it's called. Serving as our cacao barista for this morning. I have a question. Yes, caffeine. It smells chocolate. That's it is amazing. Cocoa beans. Is there caffeine? Yes. Okay. less than a cup of coffee. Otherwise, what's the point? A fair point. I believe it's about a third of a cup of coffee. Oh, it's got two grams of pro protein but and protein by itself. Does it have sugar in it? Cuz it smells like a chocolate bar. I don't think so. Two grams of fiber. All right. And uh fiber, protein, chocolatey deliciousness. Don't get crazy. It's two two grams. Hey, it's a little bit. It's something. All right. So, I I have cacao here brewed uh in the French press. I just pressed it. Um, I do have some coffee if you want to have some cacao fee with I think I want to just do the straight cacao. Yeah. What do you think, Dan? Dan, you're going to try it. I absolutely want to try. Wait, Joe, are you pouring it now? I'm pouring it now. Are you sure it's done? Have you timed this brew? I I can't. I mean, do you hear? Wait, I got We need a soundtrack. Oh, yes. Well played. Very very nicely done. This is compelling radio. So the cacao is brewed. Yes. And now we will be doing a cacao tasting. I don't like black coffee. So or well kind of I do. But you know have Let me tell you what gives you an appreciation for black coffee. Go on mushroom coffee for a month. Let me tell you. Drink dirt. It's the most Yeah. Drink dirt for a month. It's black coffee is delicious. We are trying it black. I'm just smelling it. It's a fine wine. It doesn't smell like white. smell as good as the beans. No, the beans smelled better. Yeah, it smells watery. It's It's tasted watery when I uh [Music] You know what? It needs kua. It needs It needs I I was going to say How about we put some coffee in? So, the Let's just say this. The cacao The cacao doesn't taste like anything. It tastes like water down chocolate. Okay, but think about it. Did you ever like if you took a chocolate cake and mixed it up in water, that's about what this tastes like. I didn't get any chocolate whatsoever. It just Okay. Yeah. Try to I think we need to rewrite and some cream and sugar. I I think half the water. Do you want some coffee in it? Some coffee? You want some coffee in it? Well, here's what I'm going to do. I'm going to I have my mushroom coffee. I bring the bag in. Okay. Oh goodness. Now, that's the bag of mushroom coffee. Oh my god. as he shakes this little Ziploc bag of mushroom coffee with mushroom. We're not going to talk about what that looks like that you're shaking from across the room there. Bill does not look like a legal substance. I would agree with that. All right, we are now wildly over time. Um, we got cacao distracted. It's a Yeah. Um, on the other side of the news, I'll report back on how the mushroom coffee tastes with the cacao. And I would like to talk about what habits you have in the morning now to be healthy. Is it grounding? Is it morning sun? Is it mushroom coffee? Is it cacao? What have you changed that is essentially rejected everything that they tell you you're supposed to be doing in the morning? Um, for us it's different brands of healthy liquidy deliciousness which smelled a hell of a lot better before we brewed it. 1800 283 101.5. Oh, and yes, 21 days till the election. So, if you are a local candidate, I will get you on the air today. 1-800 283 1011.5 758 Scott with your news next. [Music] 809 on New Jersey 101.5. Good morning. I am Bill Spadia with you 10:00 this morning talking Jersey. Taking your calls. 1800 283101.5. Eric, you see what's going on over here? Jill has come in to to disassemble the cacao station. Yeah. Did you try it? I did. I tried it. It's terrible. Uh I would say that it's terrible. It just It tastes like brown water that somebody has dunked a Hershey bar in. Yeah, that's about it. Right. Yeah. If you poured boiling water over a chocolate bar. Yeah. But it doesn't even get for a second or two and then remove the chocolate bar and then drank the water. Yeah. I I don't know. I thought it was kind of gross. I I think it need Look, it smelled delicious. Oh, it smells like dark chocolate. So, I think maybe it's a concentration issue, Jill. I think maybe we need to like triple the I think that's what I just did. I made a really, really strong one. Oh, are you making more? Well, yeah, because we I love that we are chasing this. Is it um is it a powder that dissolves? Do you pour water over? These are ground beans. Oh, they're ground. Are you doing like a pour over? I don't even press a French press. A French press. Okay, gotcha. So, right now, I just, you know, stirred this in. So I would So how long does it need? 5 minutes to brew and then we'll press it down. Are you using boiling water or just hot water? You're not using the water out of that water as good spring water. I asked the same question the thing out. I just don't know that that water's hot enough. Yeah, Eric made the same face I did. The hot enough worried about the hot enough, not the I don't know. I I mean it'll make tea. I don't know. I'd rather drink out of a puddle than the water we have in the building. Well, the tap water for sure. I don't think we're dealing with it. I don't think we have a whole filter here. Um, meantime, well, I don't know. I The water didn't taste funny. It just It was honestly my overriding analysis is super weak. Super weak. So, I'm trying to make it super strong. I bought the super strong, you know, brand. The uber strong. Yeah, cuz first I bought the regular one. Uber. Uber cacao. I think it needs cakalua. Yeah. A little kalúa would be little Bailey's. Little Kalúa. Little Jameson's. There you go. That's the baby right there. Irish coffee with this little Jameson and some whipped cream on top. Yeah. Right. Two grams of protein. You know what? We'll put some protein powder in it. It's like Well, you don't even need it. Two grams of protein, two grams of fiber. You've got fiber, protein, and chocolatey deliciousness. I mean, it's it's How many calories is it though? I wouldn't call it deliciousness. Well, the smell though, the smell 20 calories per cup or cup. That's not bad. Yeah. Per serving. And it doesn't. The black coffee is zero, right? So, we start at zero. Yeah. And then you move to I don't know what the mushroom coffee is. I'll bet it's more. It's got to be more than 20. You know what I had last night for dinner? What? Mushrooms. Oh, I love mushrooms. I understand that. But they should be sauteed with spinach and a little olive oil and garlic and not necessarily in your coffee. Instead, I'm going to put this powdery deliciousness in a cup in a minute. I will try the round two of cacao. All right. I mean, I'm in. I love it. Yeah. And like Eric said, you know, chicken's healthy for you. You're not making chicken coffee. Chicken soup. Broccoli's healthy for you. Do Do we drink broccoli? Broccoli soup. I'm I'm thinking we just need to change our perspective. If we think about soup, it changes everything. All right, Michael, I'm going to get to you first. The lines are open. if you are a local candidate and to thank you for just dealing with our whole move toward CA. Uh it's a thing now. It's the way it goes. But um if you've got a local race that you're running in, phone lines are open. 21 days till the election. 813 Fast Traffic Instant Weather Next. Connect to the show anytime by sending us a message through our app. Just tap on chat with hosts only on New Jersey 101.5. [Music] 8:24 on New Jersey 101.5. All right, let's jump right back into it. Talking about local campaigns and candidates. As I've said, uh, regardless of top of the ticket, you want to fix New Jersey, you want to save our state, it starts at the local level. You got to elect strong, confident people who have principles and integrity at the local level. We'll start with Michael Corny who is in Shimong running for board of education. Good morning, Michael. How are you? Good morning, Bill. How are you? You know, I'm doing great. I love Shimang, by the way. Um, back in the day, my uh when I was growing up, my dad had a gun range in in Shimang and just a u just a cool part of the state. Like, you really it's it's truly it's it's rural. It's a great place. And my guess is the voters in Shimong are sick and tired of what's going on in Trenton. You got it. And it is it was a little slice of heaven out here and I'm starting to see change and I do not like it. So I'll be quick because I know I don't have a ton of time. Go. Well, I was self-employed for 37 years. I've lived out here for 28. So now that I I retired 10 months ago, so now I have time to really pay attention. Yep. So something came up. They're trying to push forward a referendum for the school, 25 million for a lot of improvements that the school needs or may not need. So I went to a couple of board meetings, no clarity whatsoever. They don't even have They're telling you what they want to do, but there's no final plan put together. Oh, they're still working on it, but yet they want to ram this thing down our throats. They want They want 25 million. They want to raise your taxes and then don't worry, they'll figure it out. It's the old Obamacare. We'll we'll pass it and then we'll read it. Whatever. Exactly. And and then they tell you, you know, your taxes are going to raise and they base it on a $300,000 house. You're not getting a $300,000 house in Mr. Monk. So, you know what that means? Yep. So, they think the people are stupid. Every meeting I go to, we're working on giving you answers. We'll do this, we'll do that. So, we even said, "Okay, if it if it gets turned down, are you going to then reintroduce it and maybe trim the fat?" Nope. They're not doing that. You know, other things I've heard, we had a shared service agreement on a uh a business agent and apparently the business agent got basically double paid and they don't even have answers on that. So, it is So, you're running to clean things up. Michael, we got we have 20 seconds. How do people get in touch with you? Common sense. I'm running to clean things up. Now, the other per there's two there's two seats available. It would be me and also Toby Martin and he has the same principles I have. All right. So, we've got Michael Corny and Toby Robin running for board of ed in Shimong. Michael, if you want to share a link to a Facebook page or website on X or on Instagram, I'll be happy to share it with the audience. Thank you, my friend. Good luck to you. Common sense, that's who we need. 827 Eric Scott with your news next. [Music] 8:39 on New Jersey 101.5. Good morning. I am Bill Spaddio with you at 10:00 this morning. Talking Jersey, taking your calls. 1800 283101.5. Brooke in Old Bridge, hang in there. I'm going to get to you in one second. Uh cuz we're going to continue this promotion of local candidates. 1800 283101.5. Eric, just want to ask you. Uh, I asked this question earlier and I just thought it was worth repeating that here we are. We're we're 21 days from a statewide election. Now, you and I will have our annual bourbon bet on turnout. And I'm I'm not sure where I'm going to go. I think we got to set the overunder around 40. And 40. Okay. Yeah. I I I but I don't know because we got to go opposite. I I'm I'm my thought is that it's going to be low and the enthusiasm you don't see it. I remember driving through Virginia when when Glenn Yncan was elected governor uh the week before the election and you could feel it from the highway. Yeah. That there I mean signs everywhere, you know, there was there were there was activity, there was a buzz. You couldn't turn on the the radio as you drove through Virginia without hearing something. I don't see that happening here right now. The only ads I'm seeing, to be quite honest, are uh the Democrat nominee. And what's amazing to me is that the issue seems to be running away from the Republicans on something that the Democrats should really be being held accountable for, and that's energy prices. Yeah. Right. I mean, it's if you ask somebody um who's running and if they are likely to be able to name both the Democratic and the Republican nominees and what do you know about them? Um a lot of times they'll they'll tell you two things. One, um the Republicans run before um and two that the Democrat was a Navy helicopter pilot and is going to declare a state of emergency on utility rates on day one. Yeah. um that has been and and look, we've talked about the ludicrousness of that statement. I mean the statement is absolutely outrageous and I've written analysis pieces of why that means absolutely nothing and why it will do nothing to your energy rates but it's been a very key talking point for Mikey Cheryl and it is something that is resonating with voters which is mindboggling when the pocketbook issues are supposed to be the red meat issues for Republicans and I'll be honest with you if that's the only thing that you know, even if you're a Republican voter, but more crucially if you're an unaffiliated or an independent voter, and the only thing that sticks in your mind on election day is Mikey Cheryl, my electric rates, what do you think the likelihood is those voters are going to pull the lever from her? Because they haven't heard from the Republican nominee in in sound bite form, let alone detail that there's a plan. and and and now I mean New York Times today, Wall Street Journal, article after article after article that the big issue between the candidates right now is the accusation that uh the Republican nominee is somehow complicit in tens of thousands of opioid deaths. And I mean on the surface it sounds absurd, but when confronted at the debate, Jack's answer was, "At least I walked in my college graduation." Yeah. I mean, and how long has it been? This has been a story now for a week and Eric, it's ramping up. And then they did this ridiculous rally in Wildwood, the return to Wildwood. Yeah. They had a couple hundred people and they had a bunch of right-wing guys that do, whether you support them or not, you know, the these guys that are influencers, um, they don't appeal to middleof the road independent voters in New Jersey. Well, and they tried to capitalize on the assassination of Charlie Kirk because they're also billing it as, you know, a a rally for for Kirk as well. Um, and even that didn't didn't drag people. I saw an estimate on there somewhere that they had 800 people there. And at first I thought, well, that number sounds low. And then I saw the crowd and I'm like, hm, that number is really high. Way high. They overestimate that. I mean, I looked at that number, too. It looked like 300 maybe. Maybe. Maybe. But you know it it's I what always worries me about these elections and it's worried me for decades is that you are finally getting through you know your your five stages of grief and you've come to acceptance now that this is just the way it's going to be. I can't change it and I'm just going to have to live with it until I can get out. And and I think that is that's the biggest thing that either candidate frankly has to combat is that that just it's not even voter apathy anymore. It's voter resignation. Yeah. That we're we're stuck with this. And I mean that's why I brought it up because I I think that the fact that the issue has turned from helicopter pilot and and leader on lowering energy costs to now we're going after my opponent. I'm talking about Mikey Cheryl. um for his his making millions and cashing in on the opioid crisis. This is bad 21 days from an election. And then I saw the doubling down on Trump world. I'm like, is this guy resigned to losing a third time? And is he looking for a job with the Trump White House? Well, it says, why else would you do that? It says that he's concerned about his base and, you know, concerned about motivating that base to get out there. And this was the tricky thing that was going to be around the neck of any Republican nominee is that, you know, you needed the Trump endorsement to win the primary. Yeah. But if depending on how you negotiated that going into the general election, I mean, it's Well, he won't say one thing he disagrees with Trump on. I mean, to appeal to the middle, you know what would have helped the Republican who had the guts to stand up to Trump on a couple of things. Anyway, just saying. Yeah. Well, I mean, and we don't have that now. And the problem is you go from a never Trumper in 2021 to an all-in Trumper in 2025, who is the real candidate? And and and what I don't understand is how do you get the Trump endorsement, win the primary so convincingly, and then 21 days out have to be rallying your Trump base? That means they're not sold. And we looked at that Fox poll, 75% of Republicans, that means 25% of Republicans not sold. Well, and that's right. It's a big number. It's a it's a big number, but I think if you actually had a Republican nominee that had momentum and and was and you and they keep trying to say that there is. I don't feel it. I don't see it. You don't see it either. Then all of that would have taken care of itself. But they see these constant missteps, these gaps, this uh and and you and debate one was the worst. Never seen anything like And and then, you know, so you you have these Republicans now that are just throwing up their hands going, "Gh, I can't this this is what we got." Yeah. Well, look, we we we've been saying this for years. You can't keep doing the same thing and expecting different results. They have a word for that. All right, Brooke, Bill, hang in there. I'll be right back. 846 Fast Traffic, Instant Weather Next. Get the latest traffic and weather updates with the New Jersey 101.5 app. 854 on New Jersey 101.5. Let's jump right back into it. So, what are you running for? Tell people why they would vote for you and how they find you on the ballot and how they find you on social media. Brooke in Old Bridge, thank you for your patience, Brooke. Hey, good morning, Bill. How are you? I'm doing great. So, you're running for board of ed in Old? Yes, sir. All right. Um, tell me, what is your main focus? Why are you running? Um well, why I'm running is basically to champion strong parental rights. As you know, we've had, you know, um controversial things go on between the curriculum and things going on in the library, what the kids are going to be exposed to. So, I would like to have more transparency go on. Um a lot of other districts have the curriculum right on the district website. I would like to see more of that. I'd like to involve more of the community as far as communication goes. We just hiked our tax levy for the schools by $22 million. Last year we we hiked them $9.9. I believe that they made really irresponsible, I'm sorry, irresponsible decisions um as far as the spending with a lot of fear-mongering and things that are on the chopping block without making conservative cuts outside of that. Um, and it it's just to the point now where we have the boys club, we have the teachers union posting things about me. They are so threatened, yeah, by the things that I stand for. I'm not trying to count out teachers, but I also don't think that they should be, you know, um, so politically involved that they're telling the board of ed who they have to choose for our superintendent. Well, the teachers union should not be involved. This is the old thing. This is why the Republicans have failed for so many years that when I went to some of these county chairs and I said, "Guys, we launched an organization to get involved in schoolboard races." Half the Republicans out there said, "Oh my god, we can't politicize the school board, Ed." Yeah, guess what? The school board educa uh board um was politicized by the left and the NJA and they've been running rough shot. How what do you think? We woke up and it happened overnight. No, it happened over 20 years. The Democrats played the long game. Brooke, uh, are you on Facebook, X, all these different social media platforms? I am. Yes, sir. I'm on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube. So, do me a favor. Put it on X. By the way, I I want you to uh tag me in on social media. What's your last name, Brooke, so people find you on the ballot? It's Brooke Richards Patterson, number one on the ballot. Brooke Richards Patterson, number one on the ballot. If you're voting in Obridge, also cast a vote for my good friend Mark Rosolei for council. Brooke, thank you. Appreciate you. Tag me on any social media and I'll share it with our list. All right, Bill and Montgomery, you're going to be first on the other side. Uh, I have an answer for your question. Don't worry. 857. Eric's copy the news next. Staying on top of the topics that matter to you. We are New Jersey 101.5. 909 on New Jersey 101.5. Good morning. I am Bill Spadey. All right, let's jump right back into it. So, if you're a local candidate running for school board, running for mayor council, we want to hear from you. 1800 283101.5. Uh, Bill, before I get to your question, Eric, you just posted an article um that talks about the what we were talking about earlier that the the campaign for governor has kind of devolved into a battle over um the opioid epidemic. Yeah. And the failure of of the Republican candidate to adequately address the accusations coming from Mikey Cheryl. What's interesting about it is in the last five days, I would say we we have not been talking about how to make New Jersey more affordable. We've been talking about the millions made uh by Jack's company on pushing the the this narrative that opioids were not as addictive as people said. There was one quote that they used that said basically he put the burden on parents. He's like parents need to do a better job. Strange strange stuff. probably my guess is Jack wishes that stuff did not surface. Um but here it is and that's been the discussion. I don't know how this argument whether true or not whether he's complicit in the deaths of people or not forgetting that the the value of the argument how does this make New Jersey more affordable? Well, it doesn't. I I mean and this is you Mikey Cheryl has already grabbed the headlines on affordability and energy prices shows in the polls among independents. It does. So how do you prevent the Republican nominee from trying to battle back on those issues? You take something like this as a distraction because now he can't go anywhere where he isn't being asked about that. And she's run a better soundbite campaign. Yeah, she has, you know, the I'm a I'm a Navy pilot. I'm going to declare a state of emergency on utility rates. And you don't have that moment, that sound bite from the Republican nominee other than his constant repeating, I have a comprehensive plan. I have a comprehensive plan. I'm the only candidate with a comprehensive plan, which we haven't heard one detail about. Can you can you give me a soundbite quote from any of those plans? Now, I'm not saying that, you know, I'm not saying Mikey Shur's policies are going to be good for the state of New Jersey. They have the potential disastrous. They're going to be horrible. But she's gotten the sound bites out there that stick. And I got to tell you, this website she launched, Opioid Jack, if that sticks, it's it's very powerful stuff. And what I don't understand is here's a guy that went from never Trump jack in 21 to allin for Trump in 25, got the endorsement. How is it possible the Democratic Governor's Association and their related packs have outspent the Republicans by millions and millions and millions of dollars? Where's the Republican Governor's Association? What have they spent? Three million so far, maybe another million coming in. Um, and then what about President Trump? Where's President Trump been? You know, he talked about how allin he was for Jack. Yet here we are three weeks from the election and the Republicans are still telling Trump voters, "Hey, we're with you." By bringing in outofstate radicals. I mean, and and I'm not knocking these guys. They do what they do. But you're talking about social media influencers coming to rallies in Wildwood. And it it's like who does that appeal to? If you're at this point reminding MAGA voters that they need to vote for Jack, you've lost the thread. So, I want you to keep in mind one thing and and and then you can move on. The DGA and the RGA historically spend money on races they believe they have a chance to win. I think we'll just let that sit there. 913. All right, Bill. I'm sorry. I got that just had to ask Eric about that article. Uh uh we'll share that. It's on our website right now. But I want to get your question first and then James, you've got a great point that you want to make. I will get to both of you. Promise after traffic weather next 9:13 live and local radio with personalities who care about what you think. We are New Jersey 101.5. [Music] 9:22 on New Jersey 101.5. Good morning. I am Bill Spadia. All right, let's jump right back in. It is local election Tuesday. 21 days until the election. Ballots are already out. Many votes already cast. Hundreds of thousands have already been uh submitted. So, where are you going and what's happening locally? We'll start with Bill in Montgomery. Bill, thank you for being so patient. What's your question? Hi, Bill. Uh, I'm a longtime Jersey resident. Uh, I'm a lifer and um I'm just curious when I get to the polls on election day and I know there's a lot of New Jerseyians in my position where I know who I'm going to lo vote for for the local elections, but when it comes to the governor, I'm at a loss for what to do when I get to that line in the voting box. Yeah, a lot of people are. A lot of people are. Um, I I have said this either of these clowns. Well, that's that and that's the problem, right? I how many times have I been saying it on the air, weak Republicans and woke Democrats, both two sides of the same coin, and both are bad for New Jersey. Uh clearly Mikey Cheryl's policies will be an extension of Phil Murphy's. The problem is that the Republican has shown that he'll say anything to get a vote. So, the real question is, Bill, and I I refer people back to an article I wrote in 2021 where I gave Jack six ideas. And I said, you know, pick one of them so we can get behind you. And he just flat out refused. Uh it's the same thing. Now, I I I would say to you, make him earn it. You know, I if if the if the candidates say things that you trust that they believe they mean and they will actually implement, then maybe they can earn your vote. I know a lot of folks are just none of the above right now. And I'm going to ask this question, Bill, to help over the next week or so. If you have not voted yet, if you not turned your ballot in, if you're planning on voting on election day, uh you know, what do the candidates need to do to earn your vote? because in my opinion, they got to get out of the mud and start talking about how to make New Jersey more affordable. But I I think that maybe because both campaigns listened to the show, I know both candidates have listened at one point or another. Maybe our audience can help both candidates in a way of saying what you need to hear from them that will earn your vote. All right, Bill. So, I'll I'll do that later in the week. And um let let's see what our listeners come up with because right now you you you're right. I mean, neither have given you a reason to to cast a ballot for him. I can't argue with you. Can I say one more thing, Bill, before you go? I think we need stronger civics lessons in the local high schools so people actually understand what election day is all about and that people actually died for this right for us. And these are the choices we get. You know why, Bill? You know why? Because it's beyond just the civics lesson in school. People don't vote in primaries. We have so few people voting in primaries that you end up with the lesser of two evils. And I've always said the lesser of two evils still evil. So what are we doing? What are we doing? How do people not participate in the primaries? Honestly, the Democrats clearly would have been better off with a Steve Fullip, somebody who actually has a grasp on the issues and someone who can speak to the detail and show some leadership. And you know, on the Republican side, how many people just didn't even know there was an election coming up? I can't tell you, Bill, how many people have come up to me and said, "Oh, hey, when's the election? Hey, are you still running?" Like, what what are you talking about? So, anyway, Bill, I did vote for you, Bill. I appreciate that, man. Thank you, Bill. Appreciate you. Stay tuned. We're going to use this platform to educate voters and if either candidate earns your vote, then more power to them. Appreciate you, James and Maple Shade. You got 30 seconds. Go. Okay. My question is is why is it necessary to find the dirt on your partner? I'm not going to vote for Jack Cherelli because he walked down the aisle and disregard Mikey because she did not. I don't see the reason for the dirt slinging. James, because Mikey Cheryl wants to pretend that she's not going to extend the radical policies of Phil Murphy and Jack wants to pretend that he actually has a plan to make New Jersey more affordable. Both are benefiting from a total distraction on nonsense. And that's the problem. It has devolved into mudslinging. They both benefit from it because it takes away from voters actually pinning them down to say, "How are you going to make New Jersey better, safer, more affordable, and more prosperous?" Neither candidate has successfully answered that question yet. So stay tuned. Maybe uh one of them is going to see the light in the next couple of weeks. Appreciate you, James. Marco, David, hang in there. I'll get to candidates on the other side of the news next go. [Music] Yes. Thank you, Jill. Thank you, Jess. Our esteemed leader of our sales team, Jessica Schwarz, paid us a visit in the studio and then all of a sudden it was dead air. Kathy, that happens once in a while. It sometimes you forget you're on the air. I I I I often forget I'm on the air. Hey. Hey. Look, I just I've said this when I speak at schools. I'm like I just am always talking and sometimes they put a microphone in front of me and every once in a while there's a paycheck. Let's go to Marco in Raritan Township. Morning, Marco. Hey, good morning, Bill. How are you? I'm good, man. What's happening? You're running for board of ed. All right. Tell us about it. Yes, sir. Exactly. Not too um I mean quite honestly a lot of your uh a lot of the stuff you spoke about on the radio all those years um you know when I was driving the fuel truck I would listen to 115 all the time and so kind of like started there from your thesis I'm kind of digging in and starting the process locally. So happy to hear that's great. Yeah. And then and then um so here in our district I'm sure you're more I I know you're very aware of the funding formula and all those problems. Um, and so, you know, quite frankly, you can't really change it on the Facebook comments or stuff like that. So, you have to like just put yourself out there. You got to run for the board and just do your best to uh, like you said, always said, right, dig in. And well, Marco, isn't it really about that? Like I always tell people like, "Oh, what can one person do?" I'm like, "Well, first of all, you can vote." And I said, "And second of all, if you've got an opportunity, I mean, I put my money where my mouth is. I put my action where my mouth is. I ran for governor because I was blessed with an opportunity to do it. It didn't work out. God had another plan. But now I feel uh equally blessed, more blessed really to be able to come back to the microphone and say, "Hey, can I help? Can I inspire? Can I uh pave the way for new people to get involved?" Because I'll tell you, we're not going to change this state in one election. We're we're going to have to dig in the way the Democrats did in 1993 and rebuild the Republican party. Rebuild it from the grassroots up. What I want to know is why no one in the the leadership of the Republican party, why are they not talking about board of ed races and mayor contest? So, Marco, in the couple of seconds we got, give me your last name. Where are you on the ballot? Uh, my last name is Tumalo. t u m o l i l l o and I'll be I'm listed third. Um so definitely need that support but um doing my best to make some noise and uh definitely trying to make the change. Raritin Township, another common sense candidate. Marco, thank you. And look, I'll give you the same offer. If you've got a Facebook page or if you're on X, you want to tag me in a post. I'll be happy to uh share that with with the audience. Absolutely. Thank you so much, Phil. And yeah, definitely. Thank you so much for your message and uh everything you've been doing. I appreciate that. Thank you, man. Have a great rest of your day. Let's go to David Tingle running in Edison. David, you're an independent candidate running for mayor. Yes, Bill. I am. Tell me about it. Why independent? Why not Republican? Why not Democrat? Uh, well, Bill, I was part of the Democratic or organization in the past and I just saw the corruption behind the scenes and and yeah, quite frankly, I just got tired of it. What do What do you want to do as mayor of Edison and what do you think the current mayor is not doing? Well, in summary, real quick, I'm fighting to reduce taxes, support seniors and veterans, and to tackle the 70% rise in crime and traffic fatalities. The most frustrating part about running against a million-d dollar Democratic budget is watching outsiders come into our town and tell our residents how to vote. They don't live here. They don't know our neighborhoods. And yet, they target our most vulnerable people, our seniors and residents who are just trying to get by. So, where can people find you on the ballot, David? I'm going to be in column E. As an independent, I'll be in column E and my running mates. We built a fusion ticket, so I do have two Republicans running with me and a Democrat. So, we're in columns E. Really? Wait, well, let's explore that. So, you've got a Democrat running with you as a whole as a slate and two Republicans. That David, that's what people want to hear. You know, I I uh shared a post yesterday and man did I get hammered for it for uh Steven Fulip, who's the mayor of Jersey City, outgoing mayor of Jersey City, former candidate for governor. And I said, "Here's a guy willing to transcend party lines." And as much as he hates Donald Trump, he had to congratulate Trump on the M East peace deal. And he said, "Look, you shouldn't qualify praising this deal. The deal's good on the surface. It doesn't need a a butt or an and or a what if. It's like, hey, this worked. Give them credit where credit is due. Move on." And and what I said in my post was clearly the Democrats nominated the wrong person. And it's because I believe people want to see common sense minds on the Democratic side and the Republican side come together and say we can do better for all the people. Who speaks for all the people? Who is the candidate that's going to step away from the special interest step away from the the public unions that are crushing our budget every year? Step away from the rich lobbyists and the lawyers who control what these candidates say and do. I love to hear that you're running and you've got a group of people. You're not just a lone wolf. Fantastic, Bill. That is absolutely our plan. And Gloria Dipman was the Republican candidate for mayor in our town. And we spoke and the only way to beat this one system party in our town was to unite and build this fusion ticket. And that's our vision. I love it. Representing everybody in town. All right. What? Give me the column again. E. Column E. Elizabeth and I will be in column E. And then our two Republican candidates will be in column B. So E and B for Edison's best. ENB for Edison's best. Man, I love that, David. You know what? You said that well. Appreciate you, man. David Tingle running for mayor in Edison with a I love it. A fusion ticket. Fantastic. Hey, um I'm going to continue, by the way, to call the balls and strikes in this race. I am seeing a lot of chatter on the app chat, people mad that I have been critical of the Republican candidate. Uh, let me just tell you one quick thing from all of us here. Uh, grow up. If the Republican candidate can't handle legitimate criticism, how the hell is he ever going to govern with a Democratic assembly and Senate? You guys need to grow up and wise up. The only way the state gets better is if we are forceful in our criticism, forceful in our demand for integrity, common sense, and leadership. And it would be a miscarriage and negligence on my part to not call out the obvious weaknesses of the current crop of Republicans, both the Senate leader, the Assembly leader. Two embarrassments, if you ask me. and and the nominee. Now, if they want to do something and say something, and by the way, just so we're clear, I wrote an article four years ago giving six points. And then yesterday on a call that is not published and not for public consumption. I gave a group of folks a pathway and I said if the Republican nominee can check a couple of these boxes, he's going to earn the support of a lot of skeptics. But so far crickets. But don't worry, we got 21 days to go and we'll throw out some obvious checkboxes that can be made that maybe this guy can start to earn some of the skeptics and win back some of the 25% of the Republican party that clearly right now does not support him, which is terrible considering he's got the endorsement of President Trump. Where is President Trump? Why is he not in New Jersey campaigning? Interesting. 9:45 fast traffic instant weather next where news, talk, weather, and traffic come together to keep you informed and connected to everything. This is New Jersey 101.5. Coming up on 9:54 on New Jersey 101.5. I am Bill Spadia. Uh guys, we're out of time. Um do me a favor, John Sandy, call back tomorrow between 7 and 8. I'm going to let candidates call in again. I just want to remind you 16 shopping days till Joe Curillo's day. If you would like to record your greeting to friends, family, troops overseas for this very special holiday, send your 30 secondond video to JK Day jersey. That's JK jersey@gmail.com. But we couldn't miss this one this year.