New Jersey Nightly News; New Jersey Nightly News Episode from 12/15/1980 7:30 pm

The Census Bureau won't have to turn over records to Essex County for a while. Houston route's Navy in the Garden State Bar We'll have that and lots more tonight sports and we'll take a closer look at what Christmas shopping can tell us about New Jersey's economy. Like when it was announced. And Bill Perry with. You. That evening. The U.S. Supreme Court today delayed indefinitely the Census Bureau's obligation to turn over records to Essex County officials Essex County and so the Census Bureau claims the county was undercounted in this year's census. A federal judge in the U.S. a Third Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the county is entitled to census data. But December 4th Supreme Court Justice William Brennan granted the Census Bureau a stay so it could prepare an appeal in the case. Today 1:53 Supreme Court vote it extends that stay. Essex County says the census data is

essential to prove an undercount by the January 1st 1981 deadline. But the Census Bureau has argued it would be unlawful to release its confidential confidential information including addresses. Most businesses around the state of not complied with the governor's mandatory water rationing plan. So today state officials met with industrial leaders in Trenton to discuss what still must be done. Ken Manahan reports. A couple of hundred businesses and government representatives met to hear a polite state warning to cut back their water usage by 25 percent. Where the water situation will become even worse this winter jobs may be lost and fines will be imposed. So far only a handful of industrial abusers have been warned to cut back. No businesses have been fined. Peter Straten of the State Department of Health which monitors service water outlined what Pabst Brewery of Nurick has done to cut back on the central water usage.

Eliminate. Any external source. Now. Everyone. Might. Recognize that. Today. But it's only bread that is. Sanitary. Starting. There. Are only. Two. Days. Or. Two. That. Should remain in place. While overall water usage has dropped since rationing was imposed last September that's largely due to family compliance department of environmental protection figures show the greatest drop occurs on weekends when most companies are closed. DP commissioner Jerry English again warned industry to do more or jobs may be lost. I want. To. Show. The that I want to make sure no one is safe. A long range forecast calls for balls below normal rainfall and unusually low temperatures throughout the winter. The DPP in cooperation with the state labor department has

developed a co-operative plan to personally inspect and assist businesses in complying with the rationing ban. I'm Kent Manahan. And does the drive to curb water use in North Jersey continues. Five of the six water companies serving that area record a drops in consumption last week. The Hackensack water company showed the most successful conservation effort with consumption down 17 percent. Its reservoir capacity stands at twenty seven point four percent. Commonwealth water company cut water use by nearly twelve point eight percent its reservoirs are at 69 percent capacity consumption by the Jersey City water company is down 5.2 percent with reservoirs at thirty three point seven percent capacity. The newer reservoirs are at 32 percent capacity with water use down last week by 5.5 percent in the north Jersey water district. Consumption is down 15 percent with reservoirs nearly 35 percent full and the Passaic water Valley commission consumption down 1.1 percent. Total water

consumption in North Jersey last week was 366 point nine million gallons. And total water used by all companies down an average eleven point three percent. A state Senate subcommittee today charged the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey does what it wants what it wants and needs to be controlled if not completely restructured. But Port Authority officials angrily contest those charges saying the authority is simply responding to the needs of the two states it serves. Phelps Hawkins has more. While Port Authority chairman Alan Sagger and executive director Peter Goldmark listen the three state senators suggested the authority has been more interested in world trade centers and industrial parks than regional transportation. Senator Frank grave's even demanded that testimony from authority officials be taken under oath suggesting they had been less than candid in the past when German Sagger took the floor. He was clearly upset. Maybe the anger is too strong a word about the use of Sagger was particularly

incensed that the subcommittee implied the Port Authority was doing a fiscal tap dance on the question of 120 million dollars available for New Jersey public transit. First saying there was no money now saying there is no wonder that we have take this criticism. He was the originator of the order of the budget his program swaggerer said money unexpectedly became available. Senator Graves was waiting to ask Peter Goldmark about the possible sale of the world trade center. But when Goldmark took the podium and tried to explain the background grave's was having none of it. He was a member of the questions response team. I wasn't there two years ago. I was there to have a conversation about the. I don't even recall that we talked about the 7 World Trade Deadline. GOLDMARK admitted there had not been good communication up to now but that the authority is currently

dealing with four or five potential bidders on the Twin Towers. He also had a surprise reporting that the world trade Center's operations should move into the black in the next couple of years. Today's confrontation was a standoff. The two parties agreeing to talk more still the subcommittee seems to fear that instead of the historic by state arrangement there are now essentially three governments involved. New York New Jersey and the Port Authority. This is Phelps all. New Jersey Nightly News has learned that a native New Jersey and is among those under consideration as a possible secretary of labor in the Reagan administration. 46 year old Betty Murphy served President Ford beginning in 1975 as the first woman named to the National Labor Relations Board and its first woman chairman. She resigned from the NLRB in 1979 and returned to her practice of labor law in Washington. Ms. Murphy was born in Paramus and grew up in Atlantic City. Today in Washington she would neither confirm nor deny she's under consideration for that labor

post also mentioned for that labor spot has been Ray Donovan Reagan's campaign chairman in New Jersey a Casino Control Commission heard final arguments today in its license hearing for Ballis park place casino BALLIs temporary license expires December 29th. But commissioners are expected to make their decision on a prominent license before that. Steve Talev reports. Belly manufacturing is the world's largest maker of slot machines. The Park Place in Atlantic City is its only casino. And for the last five weeks the casino control commission has been hearing testimony about whether Ballis temporary license should be made permanent. Today during final summation this around General Robert Sturges said that neither Valley or its former chairman should be licensed because they are tainted by associations with organized crime. I don't think it's. Either William O'Donnell or valley manufacturing corporation has demonstrated the type of character the type of business associates that they've had in the past. The type of reputation that we want in the casino industry in the state.

Throughout the hearings Ballie lawyers have admitted the company had questionable dealings in the past but they insist the valley of today is an honest company honestly runner and we have had an extraordinary array of corporate character witnesses who have indicated that the corporation has both a good reputation and good character. William O'Donnell may be the sacrificial lamb of the case. It's possible the commission may deny him a license forcing him permanently out and then approve the company but if Balai manufacturing is denied collations it could destroy the company because then Balai couldn't operate in Atlantic City casino. It couldn't sell its slot machines in New Jersey and any Nevada company which buys from Bally would have a harder time getting a new Jersey casino license. The commissioners should have a decision within the next 10 days in Trenton I'm Steve Taylor. The U.S. attorney in Philadelphia has withdrawn Abscam charges against lawyer Howard cried and cried and was convicted with Camden mayor adulate Eric Kattie last August of accepting a $50000 bribe to aid a phony Arab shake Criden

was to have been tried in another Abscam case involving two Philadelphia city councilman. Crimes attorney had argued it would be double jeopardy to involve him in another Abscam trial. However he still faces charges in the Abscam case of Congressman Frank Thompson and John Murphy. Several top state officials are expected to testify tomorrow at a congressional hearing and two New Jersey state federal toxic waste. Task force the scope of those hearings by the House Commerce Subcommittee on Investigations has been kept under tight wraps. But testimony is expected to focus on alleged organized crime involvement with toxic waste company in New Jersey. Included on the witness list are Attorney General John Degnan State Police Superintendent Clinton Vergano and Criminal Justice director Edwin Styer down our John Albert former owner of Elizabeth's chemical control corporation is also expected to testify. The Environmental Protection Agency today announced plans to reduce bureaucratic red tape in New Jersey's pollution fighting bubble a concept devised by the EPA last

year the public policy gives industry more flexibility in beating that clean air standards. Plant managers can decide for themselves the most cost effective way to reduce their facilities smokestack emissions. Under the new proposal firms would be able to measure their total emissions instead of using the current stack by stack emissions. EPA officials say this will save New Jersey industry hundreds of millions of dollars and serve as a model program. This should work well it should be a prototype for hopefully 49 other if requirements. So it's a part of regulatory reform of the federal government for the city. And it's part of the authority and responsibility of the state. The newly announced bubble program is expected to go into effect later this month. After 35 years of serine living on a back road in Atlantic County the Melvin Douglas or Johnson family is suddenly dealing with a nightmare chemical dumping has

contaminated their well water and forced them to buy bottled water. It has also endangered their health. A bill before Governor Byrne may reimburse them and other likes them for the cost of that water. But they still worry about other costs of the contamination. More from South Jersey correspondent Dan Torrance. About four years ago Melvin Johnson was awakened by the sound of large trucks pulling into this landfill. He was curious so he came over to check it out after all that was after hours what he found was truckers dumping some sort of liquid here and it wasn't long after that that a strong stench began to drift over towards his home from this landfill. It was so strong his family couldn't sit outside and have a barbecue. The smell was so bad it often brought tears to the eyes that it wasn't long after that that the problems with Melvin Johnson's water supply began in the landfill or princes pit as it was known as close. Now State and Federal environmental officials have taken tests of a water in the ground here. It contains known cancer causing chemicals. The Johnsons weren't aware their water was

bad until the black sludge began coming out of the faucet. Then after 61 years of excellent health. Melvin Johnson had to have a kidney removed. After that a nurse advised him not to drink his well-water and it wasn't till then that officials began testing the water when you were in an office building and you couldn't be removed. They didn't tell you whether or not it was a result of the water. Is that your theory though do you think there is some connection to the lab work. I went to see him at the hospital. He said honey that standing there would be a good mom. And that's when you know we still bombard the water. Then when I run out of money sometime I'm giving them a dollar on my son or something you know. But Johnson's water smells bad like some sort of cleaning agent. Dorothy Johnson washes dishes with it enough without putting a disinfectant in the water. The family bathes at a relative's home and drinks and cooks with bottled water lots of it. Melvin Johnson says this bottled water has cost him $800 in 18 months. The state legislatures bill

may reimburse him for that but he wonders what the costs will be in terms of his family's health. And the problem goes beyond the Johnsons. State sources tell us they're worried about ground water a mile away which flows into Atlantic City's municipal water system. Those same sources tell us that some of the dumping Melvin Johnson witnessed four years ago was done by chemical control Corporation a company which has already pled guilty to illegal chemical dumping in North Jersey in Egg Harbor Township and Harlem. And now here's the weather forecast for this day. Tonight there is a winter storm watch in effect. We should have snow through the night and into tomorrow. Temperatures will be in the mid 20s. It will be partly cloudy Tuesday with snow ending about noon possible accumulations from three to five inches. Temperatures will be in the mid 30s. And the outlook for Wednesday clear and cold. The state Supreme Court today heard more arguments involving the controversial Mount Laurels

zoning case the focus of discussion was a proposed constitutional amendment that would ban courts and the governor from setting housing quotas. The high court has been holding hearings to clear up confusion about guidelines of its 1975 zoning decision. The ruling bans discriminatory discriminatory zoning practices and requires that developing communities zoned for low and moderate income housing. Federal Energy officials are still trying to determine the cause of a weekend generator accident at the Energy Research Lab at Princeton University. Investigators suspect a failure in the generators crane system caused a 350 ton cylinder to fall 15 feet to the floor. No radioactive materials were involved in the accident. Also in Princeton over the weekend the university sold Palmer Square for $17 million. As we reported last week the new owner is the Collins Development Corporation. A Connecticut based outfit which also owns a luxury condominium project in Princeton. Collins says his company's

plans for the downtown property include construction of a 600 car garage and the demolition of the 43 year old Princeton Playhouse Theatre. And a few commute to New York City you may have to allow more time to get to work in the next several weeks. Transit officials expect serious delays in bus service because more than 600 city buses are being repaired. And authorities also announced late Saturday all new Grumman buses would be removed from use indefinitely because of safety defects. New Jersey Transit officials have ordered 271 of those new buses. New Jersey's Electoral College met and Trenton today as did electoral colleges in every state capitol to confirm the presidency of Ronald Reagan. In a ceremony purely a formality the 17 members of New Jersey's Electoral College were unanimous in their votes for Ronald Reagan and George Bush. Well this season's Christmas buying surge casts a rosy glow on New Jersey's economy in the new year. That's the subject of tonight's closer look with producer Carl Sears and reporter Sandra King.

Christmas sales should signal that weakness or strength of New Jersey's economy and the ideal toy company in Newark is still busy making this year's hot items. Team America and Rubik's Cube are two of the top 10 sellers in the country. That's one reason production lines are humming. But the second is that department stores and toy shops were reluctant to commit orders in advance of the shopping season. They're concerned about inflation and spiraling interest rates as a result ideals. Business is down. The company lost 44 cents a share in the first half of this year versus a 30 cent profit per share. At the same time last year the economic puzzle may have a thousand possibilities in the minds of retail merchants this season. They hope to match or exceed the sales volume of last year's Christmas rush in Paramus. Bamberger store manager and vice president. All right. If you want to talk to that credit crunch the customer is actually getting a bargain in the

percentage that she pays at the top in store for her balance viz a viz what she has to pay a bank for a loan. So I think there are people that recognize that. And I think that people I think there is a mentality around regarding buy now or the goods will be more later. I think that's part of the fact that stores like ourselves are very very successful this season. And I think going into spring. To stimulate buying manufacturers and retailers are relying on heavy advertising and promotional sales. Star Traveler Motown comes with everything you see here. Your parents have to put it together. From the town split second five electronic games in one new from Parker Brothers. Even man's best friend is for sale. He's a good guy. I got my copy of my book the bundles comes with everything you see here. New from Hasbro's rubber room division at Toys R Us toys are a year round

business and discounts are everyday prices. The Rochelle Park based company is the nation's leading to retailer operating 101 stores about 55 percent of its annual toy sales come at Christmas time. Chairman and Founder Charles Lazarus wouldn't pick this year's sales projections but he called the outlook optimistic. He added though that customers are much more value conscious this year and for months have been reluctant to use plastic. Consumers agree. I'm about ready to go. Last year. It was mostly. Is this like the Truthfully I'm trying to watch the prices. I'm trying to hold it down. But you know Christmas is Christmas. I used to always pay off my credit cards but now I'm paying most of it by cash. Why is that. I don't want my bills to be too high. President of the New Jersey retail merchants Association tomato's says that retailers are responding with a more aggressive sales pitch. Their end of the year business now accounts for

45 percent or more of annual sales. Five years ago it was only about one third. They're counting on that final surge to boost this year's earnings and carry momentum into 81. How well they do will be an indication of glad tidings or sad regrets in the New Year United jersey bank in Hackensack vice president and consumer loan manager Joseph Grabowski assesses the outlook during his Christmas season in particular where business should normally be on an incline. Historically and seasonally this is a time when the consumers should be spending more. But I found that to the consumer to be somewhat cautious buying basically essentials paying for the essentials and not charging as has been the case in previous years. We can't borrow money at 20 percent and loan it to the consumer. At 12 13 or 14. So obviously we have to stop making those loans until those costs come down. Some observers feel that the holidays are traditionally a time of joy and emotion

will overtake doubts about the economy and make this a big Christmas. It's clear however that higher prices and interest rates have hurt sales momentum. Retailers concede privately that competition is fierce and business is tighter this year than last. What lies ahead is likely to be an economic recovery. As fragile as any Christmas ornaments. I'm Sandra King. Time now for sports here's Bill Perry. Bill. OK Carol thank you. The great mystery has

ended with the most predictable finish Dave Winfield has signed with the Yankees. How much. About a million and a half per year for 10 years Dave Winfield as a Yankee now during the break Karen and I figured something out. I would have to work here. Until approximately the year 2005 80 would be approximately six hundred and thirty years old doing this before I would earn as much money as Dave Winfield's going to make. Over the next 10 years. The Mets made a deal today good pitcher Randy Jones from San Diego. Garden State ball 3 was a blowout used in 35 Navy nothing Navy has now been outscored 68 nothing in their two Meadowlands appearances this year remember they lost to Notre Dame 33 nothing. OK maybe you won the coin toss yesterday and that's all. Eddie Myers from Pemberton family get away first play Terrell Quoc Captain 8 play drive making it seven nothing after Navy around the course of an offense one two three kick and the kick was only eight yards. Houston won it again 14 quarterback Terry Alston on the keeper after Navy missed the field goal and Houston fumbled Navy fumbled kick back. We're now in the second quarter. Euston 22 N-nothing scoring for the third time in four possessions. This is David Barrett with the 14 yard run. Then believe it or not Navy fumbled the kick

off and the Cougars scored on the next play. Here we are Clark again. He was the game's most valuable player. A 26 yard run 28 nothing after Houston converted for two. In the third quarter. Clark scored again Houston capitalizing on their first possession in the final. As I said 35 nothing 41000 in attendance but almost 20000 no show is brought. How's this. Only thirty eight thousand watched the Jets play yesterday. I just thought I'd throw that in. Joe Theismann threw open a touchdown pass to former Giant Bobby Hammond Saturday. With less than a minute to play. Redskins beat the Giants 16 13. But look at the bright side the Giants get an easier schedule next year because they finish last in the NFC East they get a higher draft choice and there will be a Giants Jets game at Giants Stadium because of the last place finish. But Ray Perkins said there is no silver lining in finishing last basketbrawl the 76 was beat the Nets won 14 1 0 7 last night. Mike Kaminsky had 12 first quarter points 29 in all but Philly led most of the way. The good doctor all night long the 6 years by as many as 10 but by only six

25 19 after one Julius. Maurice Lucas had a 16 point second quarter Pierce Lucas with the hook. Then you'll see a nice jumper will finish with 32 a season high but it's still fully by 4:49 45 at the half that's hung in there despite that Doc Julius in the third 76 with by 8 81 73. Now fourth quarter 6 was by 3 1 0 8 1 0 5 with 21 seconds left only 2 on the 24 Julius from deep 1 10 1 to 5. They went at 1 4 2 1 0 7 25 for Irving in college ball over the weekend Princeton over Manhattan 58 49 and Seton Hall beat North Texas State 89 78 to take third place in the Brigham Young cougar classic Also St. Peters sixth the Jersey City State 45 St. John 71 Rutgers 7 the highlights of those two games first half. Kevin Williams for the red men burning the night's second half David Russell super soft right at Roy Henson Russell against St. Johns over a record 71 70 nights are now foreign to St. Peters Saturday night Easy over Jersey City State cross-town rivals the peacock scored the game's first

eight points at 20 to 6 with 11 minutes gone 28 19 at the half senior Mark Murphy right there led the way with 20 full review on number 52 the a freshman from Jersey City making his first start at 12 St. Peters is now five and one after the 60 to 45 win over Jersey City State. That's our Sports Car. OK Bill thank you. Once again our top stories the Supreme Court has delayed ruling on the six counties claim that it is entitled to census information. And Governor Brewer met with industrial leaders today in Trenton to discuss compliance with the state's water rationing system and native New Jersey and Betty Murphy is among those being considered for labor secretary and Reagan's cabinet. That's the news for Bill Perry. I'm Karen Stone. Good night for the New Jersey nightly news. New Jersey Nightly News has a joint presentation of New Jersey public companies WTT 13. The program is broadcast weeknights at

6:30 p.m. on channel 30 at 7:30 p.m. on New Jersey public television. There was a report that 11:00 p.m. on New Jersey could become a vigil at 7:00 the following morning on Channel 13. Portions prerecord