NJN News; Friday November 27, 1998

You For poneds our horizons apart over how to spend big bucks for open space preservation. A call to conserve water as some reservoirs are lower than normal. We'll fly to El Salvador with require air personnel on a relief support mission. New tolls are in and HOV lanes are out, but drivers should know come Monday. And if you snooze, you lose. Early throngs of shoppers are armed with checkbooks as the holiday spending season kicks off.

NJN news for Friday, November the 27th. Major funding for NJN news is made possible by Grants Truff. The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, which believes that an informed citizen reads to a healthy democracy. The SENG committed to serving customers strengthening the business community and investing in New Jersey's future. First union serves the financial needs of individuals and businesses from Connecticut to Florida. HIP Health Plan of New Jersey dedicated to providing quality health care to employees of large and small businesses as well as individuals for two decades. And by Bell Atlantic, the heart of communication in partnership with public television serving to inform and lighten and educate the citizens of New Jersey. From NJN, the New Jersey Channel, the Emmy Award-winning NJN news with Kent Manahan, Dick Forney with Business, and Jerry Henry with Sports.

Good evening, everyone. Kent Manahan is off tonight. Before the elections, it was pro-open space versus anti-open space. Now it seems the battle has moved to pro versus pro. Senior political correspondent Michael Aaron now on which open space gets the money. Senate President Donald D. Francesco is planning to sponsor the open space bill that flows from the ballot question that passed early this month. So he was surprised when his Republican colleague Bill Gormley convinced the Whitman administration to include $60 million for Pinelands property owners in the draft bill that is currently being circulated. I'm a little taken back by it. I'm not sure that I have fully heard all of the arguments. Quite reluctant to get involved in that. I'm not sure that that was the intent of the people who were voting on this ballot issue at the time. 20 years ago, the 1-5th of New Jersey that is the Pinelands was set aside for preservation. Landowners there have complained ever since their land values suffered as a consequence.

D. Francesco says he's open to persuasion, but if there was ever a case to be made for the Pinelands in this situation, why have not we dealt with it earlier? Why haven't we dealt with it in previous budgets, for example? Why should it be part of this proposal that is designed to acquire a lot of open space, to acquire a lot of forms, to provide for recreational areas and urban areas, and to provide for historic preservation? The draft bill now circulating in the State House also includes no money for urban land acquisitions, a fact that upsets urban legislators like Senate Minority Leader Dick Cody. D. Francesco says the ballot question did use the word recreation, and on that basis, he would work to change the draft bill. I'm very comfortable with providing funds in urban counties and urban centers. People expect that. I think people are entitled to that. We have millions of people in those areas, and they voted for this ballot issue, and they want to participate.

When all the issues are resolved, D. Francesco expects the legislation to create a new authority to oversee the open space money. He says that should happen by the end of March, so that the new authority is in place and ready to start spending the money when the next fiscal year begins July 1st. Michael Aaron, NJN News, newer. From the land to the water. It's not a drought yet, but it's been a dry fall in New Jersey and environmental reporter Ed Rogers reports is beginning to take a toll on the state's water supply. The 13 North Jersey reservoirs that provide the majority of that region's water supply should normally be almost 70% full in late November, but some are at just 40%. The problem, no rain, no water. Since the 1st of July, we're actually running about a 9 to 10 inch deficit rainfall in in Southern New Jersey, and as much as 4 to 5 inch rainfall deficit in Northern New Jersey. That's fairly extraordinary conditions. North Jersey reservoirs are being depleted quickly.

Many of our Northern New Jersey streams are also seen near records low flows, and that impacts on the reservoirs because it's the flow and the rivers that fill up the reservoirs. If there's no more rain in the state, environmental officials could be forced to issue a drought warning. That would mean mandatory water use restrictions. For now, officials are urging people to voluntarily reduce their water use by using dishwashers and washing machines only when filled and by fixing leaky faucets. It's been so dry this fall that officials say with only a few days left in the month, we're on track to set a new record for November. We're expecting in Southern New Jersey to see low stream flow of record. This dry spell brings back memories of several recent droughts in New Jersey. They're becoming more frequent. From the early 1980s on, we've seen about five droughts that have occurred. And I think this is a combination of periodic low rainfall conditions as well as the demand on the water supply. Ed Rogers and JN News, Trenton.

It's the end of the road for HOV lanes in North Jersey. On Monday, New Jersey commuters will see all lanes available to them. HOV lanes on interstates 80 and 287 will be history. Barring any challenges from Washington, New Jersey will lift rush hour restrictions on single occupant vehicles and what had been carpool only lanes. Governor Whitman says it's time to acknowledge that HOV lanes just aren't working. Also Monday, this time in South Jersey, driving the Atlantic City Expressway will cost more. Some tolls will double in the first increase in nearly 30 years. The additional revenue will go towards building three new interchanges, widening of a portion of the expressway and resurfacing the entire 44-mile road. At one end of the expressway in Atlantic City, the battle to block construction of the controversial tunnel project is hit with yet another lawsuit. Pearl Epps Running Deer claims the $300 million project is a health hazard. Running Deer says since construction began, the neighborhood has been besieged by rats and roaches.

She also claims construction vehicles pose a danger to the neighborhood. When the 1998 hurricane season officially ends on Monday, it will be remembered as one of the most deadly and recent years. More than 11,000 dead, thousands displaced and nations shattered by mother nature's destructive forces. In Central America, relief efforts continue in the wake of Hurricane Mitch. Our Zachary Fink flew into El Salvador with McGuire Air Force Base personnel this week, part of a U.S. military mission to rebuild. With men power and equipment severely lacking in countries ravaged by Hurricane Mitch, the U.S. military is stepping up its efforts to help bring relief. McGuire Air Force Base is flying several missions in and out of El Salvador with supplies U.S. troops will use to carry on relief operations. We're just part of a large operation. This is a C-141 load here, and my understanding that there will be approximately 80 equivalent C-141 loads of support going down for the phase two of the Hurricane relief effort. In late October and early November, Hurricane Mitch caused extensive damage in Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and El Salvador.

Mudslides and floods claimed over 10,000 lives. At that time, U.S. military personnel conducted rescue operations. Now, they're setting up a command center in El Salvador for long-term support. McGuire crew delivered vehicles. The burnt of Hurricane Mitch was felt in Honduras. Most phase one U.S. relief efforts have been concentrated there. There have also been American troops in Nicaragua and Guatemala since the storm. But until now, there has been no U.S. presence in El Salvador. Troops began arriving here last week. Up to 560 are expected. The El Salvador base located on the edge of Kamalapa Airport will serve as central command for relief operations in Guatemala, Nicaragua, and El Salvador. Honduras has a separate command center. When the wires plane arrived, U.S. troops had only been on the ground for a couple of days. U.S. base was still being built. It is quite rustic. We're here at the beginning of the stand-up of the operation, and the conditions are a bit primitive. We're living in an air-conditioned tents, eating meals ready to eat, the MREs.

Hot, humid, bugs, you baby. But while the U.S. base is being built, food is already being taken to villages where it is needed. It comes off the aircraft, gets stockpiled in this warehouse, and pretty much that night goes out in convoys, doucin' halves, some of the local civilian organizations. They're in charge of coordinating the effort of distributing. Here in El Salvador, the issue is probably going to be moving humanitarian aid throughout the country, and the bridge building will be primarily done by the El Salvadorans. U.S. relief efforts are extensive throughout Central America, but only a decade ago, the United States played a more active military role in many of the same countries it is now assisting. Nevertheless, U.S. soldiers say their presence is welcomed. That there might be elements of political disagreement against us, that's fine. That's the way the world is. But as a rule, most Latin American countries are very, very favorable to us as a culture, to us as our efforts, and will recognize as a leader. Zachary Fink, NJN News, El Salvador.

New Jersey's own basketball star, Rhodes Scholar, and politician is back on the road. The question is, road to where? Former Senator Bill Bradley, a possible presidential candidate, has started a national tour pushing his latest book, Values of the Game. He was at a Willow Brook Mall book signing. In his book, Bradley maintains that basic human strengths lead to success, both on the court and in Congress. He says he'll decide on a White House run by the end of the year. Still ahead on NJN News, two oil giants slide toward a merger of details in business. And it's the season to shop till you drop. New Jersey and sprint to the stores this Black Friday. Stay with us. Hello. Hello, remote. How you doing? Good. Can you hear me? Is this Carl? Yes. Carl, Ken St. John. How are you? I'm good, buddy. I'm here and you're there. Good. Okay. I can hear you. Listen. We, they given us a minute, 30, so we'll kind of talk and be brief and, you know, as tight as we can. All right. Can you hear me? Okay.

New Jersey shoppers were up at the crack of dawn today. It's Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving and a traditionally the busiest shopping day of the year. You're looking live in the Cherry Hill Mall where stores have been packed all day. Shoppers have been out to take advantage of holiday sales. Bargain hunters have been searching for the best deals and during the long lines. Our Maureen Duffy joined the mad holiday rush. By 10 a.m. at the Cherry Hill Mall, the parking lots were almost full. Inside the register tape was flying. This is the day when holiday shopping kicks into high gear. Oh, it's so much fun. Yeah, definitely. Sister bonding time together. While some fight the crowds for familial bonding time, others had different reasons. I just want to go to KB toys and get what I want. Not an easy task. This is not a movie line. It's a line to get into the KB toy store.

The reason for the line. Good sales and most people seem to be in good spirits. I'm just trying to shop for the most beautiful little girl in the world and that's my daughter. The hot toy this year is this little guy named Furby and interactive toy. What's he do? He talks and he dances. It was already sold out at the KB. So where does the term Black Friday come from? Well, if all goes well for the retailers, it's when their earnings go from being in the red. To being in the black. And that just might happen. Retail analysts predict a slightly better year than last year. It's not going to be a bond burner. It's not going to be an explosive kind of a rock the ship kind of holiday season. It's going to be decent. We got mixed signals when we asked shoppers how much they would spend this season. I've spent more and my husband's going to kill me. Last we're going to Florida. Are you hoping she spends more? Yeah, I'm hoping. I pray. So do the retailers because that is what this day is all about to then. And here's your receipt.

Warren Duffy and JN News, Cherry Hill. So will this holiday season be a merry one for retailers? For some answers, we go to Carl Reggie, marketing director for the Newport Central Mall. He joins us from our North Bureau. Thank you for being with us, Carl. I guess we got to ask you. Black Friday is supposed to be the day when retailers balanced their books into black instead of the red. Do you agree that this day is the day it's depicted to be that it all depends on this one day for retailers? I don't think it depends on this one day. I think what we're seeing though is an early return. We're hoping that if today's results or any indication of what the rest of the holiday season will be like, I think by the end of the season retailers will be extremely happy with the way things are going. Are the crowds there like they're supposed to be supposed to be up 8% this year over last year? Are the crowds there from the indication you're getting today? And are they dipping deep into their pockets? What we're seeing is the crowds have been there. We're pretty confident that as long as things stay online, it will be a strong season. How strong I don't know, I don't know if 8% is or isn't accurate.

But I think that we will see a slight increase and how much they're spending I think depends on an individual's choice. But we're optimistic that things will continue strongly and it should be a good holiday season. Carl, correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't the season get started a little early this year earlier than usual? Is that because retailers are a little scared they want to get a jump on this money that they're expected to turn? I think what we're seeing is retailers are always looking to make sure that their margins are met. I think customers perceptions are as long as decorations and sales don't start much earlier than Thanksgiving. Each year people seem to remember it starting later and later. But from what I can tell from being in the industry, it seems to start about the same time year in and year out. Okay, I've got to ask you this question. Furby is the hot item this year. Who comes up with this? Why Furby? Last year, tickle me Elmo. Now Furby, you got to tell me why? Marketing experts, marketing geniuses, they somehow, some way have their pulse on the population somehow, some way. We've all talked about it amongst ourselves and it seems like for as many people that know about the product, there's that many people that don't know about it.

The word gets out. All right, listen, Carl Richie. Thank you for joining us and I wish you guys the best of luck. Thank you. Of course, now the urge to splurge is everywhere, especially if you are a compulsive shopper. For them, shopping is not a chore. It's an excuse to binge. And tonight's health watch, health and medical corresponded. Certainly, Kessler reports on the warning signs. Okay, we'll get at 135 even. Identified patients are more typically females between 30 and 50. They're usually career and success oriented. And they have trouble saying no to sales. Money disorders expert Leonard Braser sees a lot of it. If you're looking at closets, clothing that still has tags on it that's never been used. And you don't have to leave home to buy. There's the internet, mail order catalogs, home shopping channels.

But you can bend, you can stretch, you can move and leave. How tempting is something like this when you see it on TV? Very tempting and the color choices are pretty incredible. Maggie, that's what she asked us to call her, is a recovering compulsive shopper. For years, she was drowning in debt. My income level was about, I was at about 24,500 a year at that time. And what did you spend on Christmas gifts? At that time, I was willing to spend up to $7,000. It was totally inappropriate. It was money that I didn't have. Today, Maggie carries no more than $40, no credit cards, because she says plastic was a big part of the problem. I believe it's an addiction. I believe it's a psychological addiction. One of the most common denominators that I've seen is low self-esteem. Some of it has to do with feeling entitled. I deserve this. I've worked hard today. Any reason can work to send us to the mall. Warning signs include avoiding opening bills, dodging phone calls from creditors, bouncing checks, maxing out credit cards, feeling guilty after shopping.

The holiday season is especially tough. Trying to be loved, trying to express affection through buying and shopping and spending, you know, come to the floor that much more. Holiday shopping tips? Create a budget and stick to it. Don't shop without a list and avoid shopping when you feel sad or lonely. Most important, avoid buying gifts with a credit card that you wouldn't buy if you didn't have the cash. Sarah Lee Kessler, NJN News, Paramus. The biggest US oil companies may be ready to walk down the aisle. That's ahead in business. An auto insurance rebate checks are coming for hundreds of thousands of New Jersey drivers. Stay with us. Dick is off tonight. Here's a brief look at business. The nation's largest oil companies confirm they're talking about a merger.

If Exxon and Mobile decide to combine the resulting company would be the world's largest oil company. There are reports an announcement could come next week, but analysts say such a deal would face tough antitrust scrutiny. The state's fourth largest HMO continues to have major problems. Doctors who treat that 194,000 patients covered by HIP health plan of New Jersey stand to recover only a fraction of what the health maintenance organization owes them. Meanwhile, the state is beginning negotiations with doctors and hospitals to discuss ways to continue caring for patients. However, an attorney for the medical society of New Jersey says doctors will probably stop seeing HIP patients except for those in the middle of ongoing care. If you have a policy with New Jersey manufacturers insurance company, you'll be getting a holiday gift. The company says it will refund more than $52 million to its 284,000 policy holders. The auto insurance firm says the average benefit to be paid next month will be $183.

The special rebate is essentially a refund of profits the company earned in 1997. On Wall Street, the stocks posted bonus gains in an abbreviated session. When the bell rang at 1 p.m. to end trading, the Dow finished up nearly 19 points to close at the 93-33 level. The MX index climbed four and a half points. A record rise for the NASDAQ up more than 31 points and the S&P gained more than five points. The bond prices ended higher in lackluster trading. The price of the 30-year treasury was up 11.30 seconds while the yield of the benchmark bond edged down to 5.15%. Go ahead and check out our forecast and another sign that Christmas is around the corner. If you have any questions, please let us know in the comments.

Turning to sports at Rowan University, it's an annual right of passage to make it to the Division 3 football playoffs. As Jerry Henry reports, the props take on Buffalo State tomorrow in the second round. Rowan made it to the second round of the Division 3 playoffs by beating the College of New Jersey last weekend, 26-2. The props got a huge performance from senior quarterback Gus Orinstein, who passed for 249 yards and three touchdowns. Orinstein is one of the reasons why Rowan got off to a slow start, has turned the season around. It was a long road to this glassboro campus for Orinstein. It started at the University of Notre Dame, then to Michigan State. In fact, the senior was still under contract with the Yankees, just in case his efforts to make it to the NFL fall short.

I just think you were part of a World Championship organization. Rowan has made it to the Division 3 national championship three times in the 90s, 93, 95, and 96. Taking a look at weather in North Jersey tonight, clear with lows in the mid 30s, tomorrow sunny skies with highs in the upper 50s, in South Jersey tonight partly cloudy with lows in the mid 20s, and tomorrow sunny with highs in the upper 50s. And finally, another sign that Christmas spirit is upon us. As the light fell this afternoon, this was the scene at Palmer Square in Princeton.

It was the 16th annual tree lighting ceremony. Good old Santa himself did the honors, lighting the 65 foot Norwegian's Bruce. The tantrum bomb was more than 32,000 lights. The ceremonies this evening included some carol singing with a local church choir and a brass band. The tree lighting kicks off the seasonal old fashioned holiday in Princeton. That includes horse and carriage rides and strolling musicians heralding the holiday. That's the news. I'm Kent St. John. We leave you with more holiday festivities from Princeton for everyone in NJN News. Good night. Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh.

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