NJN News; Wednesday April 29, 1998

What the hell is going on? What the hell is going on? What the hell is going on? New laws are out of the gate cracking down on amusement park ride safety. We're live in Atlantic City. What does Megan's law have to do with a condo association? I'm Trish Degasperous in West Orange and I'll have that story.

New Jersey's new corrections commissioner is sworn into office, and he's already facing tough challenges. Blue Cross Blue Shield in 36 states, including New Jersey, take major tobacco companies to court. And could tonight be the last time Air Jordan lands in New Jersey a live report from the metal lands? NJN News for Wednesday, April 29th. Major funding for NJN News is made possible by Grandstruck. The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, which believes that an informed citizen released 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, in partnership with public television, serving to form, brighten, 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. First it was registering with the local police department, then it was community notification that was required as a sex offender living in a neighborhood. And now, a North Jersey condominium complex has a new use for Megan's law. It's considering banning the most serious offenders from buying a condo. Trish Digaspers has our report. The Eagle Ridge condominium complex is a gated community of 400 households. And the signs make it very clear who has access and who doesn't.

We didn't. The government has to give a step off the property. So if you could do that, I like to step off the property, please. The governing board of this complex is considering barring a certain type of Megan's law offender called a Tier III offender from buying a condo here. Tier III offenders are classified as the most predatory of those convicted under Megan's law. David Ramsey is the attorney representing the complex. These people have a recidivism rate that is far greater than any other class of criminal. They also tend to prey disproportionately on children. And when you combine those factors, I think, particularly in a community association, we have a large number of people grouped together in a very small area. There's a real concern for the safety of the children in that community. The idea of using Megan's law in this way is so new that attorney Ramsey, who represents hundreds of other condo associations, knows of only one other complex, which has done so. Residents we spoke with said it was a good idea. Yes, it's very important. We should know with whom we live.

If I had younger children, I would not want them living next to me. Even though supporters say this would pass any legal challenges, Ed Martone of the ACLU says there's a larger issue here. Rather than deal with sex offenders in our society, we'd rather all band together as little communities and push them off into somebody else's community. And that's really the thrust of what's going on here. It's the thrust of Megan's law, frankly, which is not providing preventive care. It's not providing treatment. It's not providing follow-up for sex offenders. It's saying we'll tell you so you can chase him out of your neighborhood and chase him out of somebody else's neighborhood. There is an informational meeting tonight here for the residents of this complex to ask questions about the situation, but an actual vote on the issue was still at least several weeks away. Trishti Gaspers, NJN News, West Orange. A coalition of health insurers has filed a major lawsuit against the tobacco industry. Blue Cross Blue Shield plans from New Jersey and 35 other states have joined together in filing the federal case against 13 cigarette makers. The suit claims the industry can seal the addictive nature of smoking

and increase nicotine levels causing addiction. The suit also claims the industry targeted young smokers. It's clear that they have used science to manipulate the addictive properties of their products. It's very clear that they have engaged in conspiracy to resist bringing safer products to market. And perhaps most chillingly, they have really targeted in their sales and marketing activities young people and children. It was the case of a New Jersey woman that broke ground during the 1980s. Rose Chipalone, a chain smoker, died of lung cancer long before her case reached the U.S. Supreme Court. A suit filed on her behalf claimed tobacco companies linked cigarettes and lung cancer long before warning labels were required by law during the 1960s. But those companies never warned smokers. Clowning around on an amusement park ride could land you behind bars and cost offenders a lot more than the price of admission. Governor Whitman has signed into law a bill that aims to make parks safer. The measure also cracks down on amusement park operators.

This after numerous accidents last year that included one death. Ken St. John is in Atlantic City now with more on the new law. Ken, that's absolutely right. We've all seen it and even some of us have our guilty of even doing it. You're on a roller coaster. It goes up to the crest of the rail and plummets down at a great speed and everybody sticks their hands up in the air. Even some people stand up on rides. But I've got to tell you, new safety rules signed in the law today by the governor. If you're a writer you can be in for a lot more than fun. Try a hefty fine. It's that time of year again when day trippers, drill seekers and families head to the Jersey Shore's many amusement parks and to the state's theme parks. But a string of 24 serious accidents last year including one fatality on amusement park rides has caused major concerns. Concerns like who is operating the machinery. Who inspects them and who implements the behavior code. That's why Governor Whitman today signed into law a bill that would land you in jail and find you up to $1,000 if you clown around on a ride.

One way we can promote total safety is through strict enforcement of safety regulations and stiff fines and penalties for those who fail to meet those standards. Everyone who buckles up in a ride in amusement park should expect that that ride is safe. The measure would also increase penalties against amusement park operators who violate safety regulations. It's very important legislation. We're very glad. I think the industry certainly is going to be the beneficiary as our guests as we focus on safety. This legislation brings that to the forefront. There were 249 accidents in 1992 and 306 last year. That increase prompted the bill sponsored to take a closer look at ride safety. $5,000 per day penalties and suspension of permits should deter the irresponsible and assure the responsible. Government now steps in to ensure the public safety. Officials say an outing to an amusement park should be fun, not fearful.

Many of last year's accidents happen up and down the Jersey Shore. Several here in Atlantic City where riders were forced to climb down a coaster when it got stuck. But does the new legislation call for stepped up inspections of rides? We're going to be out there more this year, monitoring the operations. Again, pays the same amount of attention to mechanical aspects, but look more at operations this year. Ken has a result of those accidents last year, the Department of Labor, which oversees the inspections of amusement rides. Well, it has hired four more inspectors, so they hope to be on the case. And the new law also stipulates that all new rides, additions, all alterations to existing rides, must be reviewed by a state license inspector. That's it from the Jersey Shore in Atlantic City live. I'm Ken St. John back to you in the studio. Thanks for your report, Kent. New Jersey's new corrections commissioner was sworn into office this afternoon in the state assembly chambers in Trenton. Jack Turhune becomes the first corrections department chief in 20 years. He replaces William Falver, who resigned in November amid reports of overtime abuses and other fiscal problems.

As Turhune takes charge of the corrections department, he faces a number of tough hurdles. Statehouse correspondent Jim Hooker reports Turhune is starting out by facing skeptical veteran lawmakers. Call it the veteran lawmaker facing down the rookie chief of the nearly $700 million a year state corrections department. A department whose overtime costs have zoomed from $71 million in 1995 to nearly $80 million last year. Turhune says he'll drive that figure down by almost $25 million in the coming budget year, while at the same time adding prison staff and taking on still more prisoners into an already overcrowded system. We just look at the overtime. We budgeted $98.58 million in overtime. We've already built a February. I think that figure we got over it. Senator Walter Kavanaugh says he just doesn't buy it and said the department's budget maneuvers over the years have rivaled those of the tooth fairy.

Just ain't so. I just can't believe it. Turhune, the 49 year old former Bergen County Sheriff, recently appointed by Governor Whitman, held his ground during the hearing. And I believe this from the bottom of my heart that these goals are realistic. Both in the hearing room and afterward, Turhune insisted he's not masquerading as the tooth fairy, but instead will drive down over time by restricting in may privileges and streamlining manpower assignments. Once we get a handle on that, then I feel very confident that we'll be able to deliver something other than a tooth fairy story to the committee next year. Turhune says his other goals include easing prison overcrowding, partly by realigning bed space. Another of his primary targets is to better prepare prisoners for returning to the outside world. Something he said is currently the system's weakest link. If you come in with a fourth grade education, then don't you should leave with a sixth grade education or seventh grade education. Because if you don't have that, how are you going to get a job? Lawmakers credited Turhune and the administration with bumping up the number of drug treatment beds in prisons from 330 to 1200.

And with a number of community slots from 128 to 1600. But Senator Winona Lippman called for the appointment of more African Americans to senior positions in the corrections department. Turhune countered that half the department's 14 prisons are run by blacks. Jim Hooker, NJN News. Once again, according to a national ranking, New Jersey's transportation department is near the bottom of the list. The state DOT disputes the report that compares how much is spent by states on highways and what they get in return for those dollars. New Jersey ranked 49th in the University of North Carolina survey, which indicates the garden state receives the highest per mile federal subsidy for highway maintenance. State transportation officials claim New Jersey's congested roadways should not be compared with rural roads in states that are far less populated. More people are riding Amtrak along the Northeast corridor these days. Railroad officials claim ridership has increased nearly 9 percent during the first quarter compared to the same time period a year ago. Amtrak attributes the gains to states like New Jersey, New York, Eastern Pennsylvania and Virginia, as well as a resurgence in travel in Southern New England.

Could today be the last day Michael Jordan plays here in New Jersey? We'll go live later on to the metallands where the nets and bulls are set to tip off. A report is out on the well-being of New Jersey's children. And how this high school job fair is helping to send students directly to work. If you have a comment, call NJN News at 1-800-Jersey-1 or our email address, NJN News at AOL.com. The kids count report out today by the Association for Children of New Jersey is an annual snapshot of the general welfare of the state's youngsters.

The survey found between 1996 and 97 fewer infants have died, down nearly 15 percent. The report shows nearly 13 percent more pregnant women are now getting prenatal care. The number of teen moms dropped more than 2 percent over the time period. In addition, the number of low birth weight babies fell 3 percent. And the number of children on food stamps is also down nearly 14 percent. We're not in any way, shape or form, saying that these are still at acceptable levels. However, we are noting progress in this report. There was some bad news, though, in the report. Teen and child deaths in New Jersey were up and so were substantiated cases of child abuse during the same time period. You've heard about job fairs for students about to graduate from college, and college fairs for high schoolers. Well, today, Elizabeth High School held a work fair, giving students a chance to see what careers are available for non-college-bound students. Rich Young has more on the job recruitment effort and how students responded on tonight's education agenda.

FedEx, UPS and the Elizabeth Police were just three of nearly 100 companies, agencies and trade schools that filled the Elizabeth gym today. They came seeking applicants to fill scores of entry-level jobs that don't require college degrees. Elizabeth Town Gas Hires does as of graduates each year in a variety of fields. They could be in our meter reading department. They could work with our construction crews, our service technician. This is the second work fair at this school. It was created to show the opportunities available to those who cannot afford or are not cut out for a college education. It's about getting a job, and that's what we're here for, to help our kids become productive members of society. So, if you're not going to college, that doesn't mean you're worthless. It means you can get a job somewhere else. I tell kids, plumbers make more money than me. It's estimated two-thirds of the 4,000 students in this school will go directly from school to work. And even though there are opportunities out there for them, over in Dovergan employers here said it's essential that they get at least a high school diploma. Even the US Marines told students a high school diploma is needed to enlist.

They have to go to school. There's no way out. You have to graduate. Nancy Ramirez, a junior, says she plans to graduate and go to the police academy. I'm thinking of this first, and then continuing my education. So maybe we'll see you as a police officer pretty soon. Yeah, hope so. School officials say dozens of students who took part in this job fair last year have landed jobs. This year they hope the success rate is even higher. Rich Young, NJN News, Elizabeth. More verbal hits on the crosshuts and battle over the New York Yankees. And aid to New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani thinks Governor Whitman has blinked. Claiming the mayor's strategy has worked, the mayor's spokeswoman says it looks like Whitman has backed off New Jersey's bid. After Giuliani threatened to go after the Garden State's pro teams, Whitman counters that New Jersey was never trying to snatch the Yankees. She says Giuliani is trying to divert attention from his tough stadium fight at home. Dick's Business Report, coming up shortly, he's here now with a preview for us.

Well, can't they help one inside, may sprout along the piers at Port Newark. And we'll tell you about a Bergen County Internet service provider with a dual identity. Stay with us. I'll ask them pinch 19 A's in a VO full VO or just a VO full. Is there a tag after that? There's a tag? Oh, we'll see. So good news on the job front dick. Well, it's little early to say it's good news, but hey, the help wanted sign is not out yet. But according to the International Longshoreman's Union, an upturn in business may mean job openings for stevedores at Port Newark and Elizabeth.

The Port Authority and the unions are attempting to devise a plan to prevent chaos and any potential recruiting such as happened 30 years ago when agencies were overwhelmed by applicants. This time, the port is quick to point out that only a modest number of jobs may become available. Currently, they say no more than 500. Still, it would be the first time in 30 years that there has been any dockwork or hiring at the port. Recruitment is the subject of Port Authority, public hearings currently. Pharmacy of John, which is in the process of moving its research in corporate headquarters to New Jersey. Today reported lower first quarter earnings do mostly to foreign exchange losses as the dollar strengthened against world currencies. The maker of row game baldness treatment, the pain reliever Motrin and the prescription anxiety medication Zanex, said sales rose 3% last quarter. Last December, pharmacy op John began moving its headquarters and research facilities along with about 600 jobs from London to this site in Somerset County. It was one year ago today, the new Atlantic City Convention Center threw open its doors and those who run the place say it's been a smashing success. According to the center's management, they've booked more than 300 conventions trade shows and other events through the year 2010 estimates are the events will draw more than 3 million visitors to Atlantic City and generate more than one and a half billion dollars for the local economy.

Stocks rebounded from their recent losses very nicely today with the broad with broad base buying and lifting all indices. The dollar rose 52 and a half to close at the 89 51 level. The MX composite added nearly 9 and a third than as that composite gained nearly 20 and the S&P 500 was up 9 and a half. Bonds traded unchanged on the day. Hackensack based IDT Corporation is an internet service provider that is banking on becoming an alternative to traditional phone companies. For two years now, IDT has been offering its customers the option of making long-distance phone calls through the same data lines that connect their PC to the internet at a substantial discount to conventional long-distance rates. Customers place their calls through their PCs. Well, now there are stirrings in Washington to tax long-distance phone calls made through internet connections, so IDT is bringing in a heavy-hitting lobbyist. The company says former vice presidential candidate and Reagan administration official, Jack Kemp has been hired as an adviser.

He knows an awful lot about the telephone business. I have been a friend of his for about 25 years. He's been following with great interest what IDT is doing, and he's very familiar particularly with some of the major issues that we have. We want to keep unfettered and unregulated and untaxed internet telephony, and I know that he feels strongly the same way and wants to weigh in on that issue. Of course, you may recognize IDT's president as former congressman and gubernatorial candidate, Jim Carter. And since sports is coming up next, it's worth noting that Jack Kemp is former NFL player quarterback for the Buffalo Bills. And one of his sons turned out to be a quarterback also. So how's that for segue into sports? Perfect segue into sports. Let me tell you. Well, we're going to join Jerry soon at the Metallands with his live report tonight, Jerry. That's right, Kent. That's Bulls in Game 3 here at the Metallands tonight. I'll have a full report next. Time now for sports and Jerry's at the Metallands where tonight the Nets try to stay alive in the playoffs, right, Jerry?

That's right, Kent. It's do or die tonight for the Nets. I tell you what, and the Nets are doing everything they can. And get their fans involved in this thing, including a band on the roof of the arena. I've never seen that before. They've got barbecue on the sidewalks. It's basically a party here tonight. Despite the fact that the Nets are down two games to none to the Bulls, we ran into a lot of confident Nets fans today. I hate Jordan. Are you saying we've got a family of Jordan haters? Well, pretty much. I mean, we respect the man, but not tonight, you know, not tonight. We have a great chance. I think, I think we're winning today. We're winning next two, no doubt about it. We shouldn't want one at Chicago, but Jordan is Jordan. He's the man, so we'll give him that one. They've been looking good coming up the last couple of games. I think there's a good chance he might do something worthwhile, but Jordan's a tough guy, so we'll see. So you think they'll at least win one?

Yeah, I wouldn't bet. I know you didn't come up for root for Chicago. No way. New Jersey all the way. All the way. What do you think of the Nets chances tonight, coach? This is the one they got to get. Obviously, so I feel good about them. This is their game to win and get the momentum going. Of course, that was Rutgers. Rutgers head coach Kevin Bannon, a very astute opinion there. We had a chance to talk to Michael Jordan earlier today, and he says he's not surprised that the Nets are playing them so well. No, I think that, you know, they've shown that they deserve to be in the playoffs. And, you know, it's hard to be the team seven straight times, you know. And sooner or later, they're going to, things are going to work in their favor. So I mean, you know, we expect them to play hard. And they have a sense of pride about themselves, and by no means do they want to lose seven times against one team. So I mean, you know, that brings the head, you know, a good competition between the two teams, and you just have to understand that. Yes, New Jersey has been competitive, and that's a play two close games. But to New Jersey, being close isn't good enough. Tonight, it's do or die. Two games, and I'm very disappointed. We let one slip in the first game. That was our game.

And obviously we won up 14. We made a comeback to get to have the ball and to be in a position to win. But we let it slide, and we had great opportunities to win the game. So no, we're not. And I don't want these guys satisfied with being close. The minute you become satisfied with being close, you finish second all the time. You know, we're going for the brass ring. They have to go for the brass ring tonight because if they don't, they're out of the playoffs elsewhere today. A little baseball news, ground breaking out at Bridgewater for the Somerset Patriots, the new home, the 6,360 ballpark won't be ready for the season. But the Patriots will play all of their games on the road this season. There are season begins on May 20. But again, the big story is here at the Metal Lance tonight, the Nets and Bulls in game three of the NBA playoffs. Kent, that's it from here back to you. Guess you heard it a few times tonight. Go Nets. That's right. Thanks, Jerry. We had a beautiful day across New Jersey today. Sunny skies and temperatures into the 70s.

Conditions just beautiful in Atlantic City this evening. You're looking live at the famous boardwalk in the resort capital where folks taking advantage of the lovely spring weather and enjoying a spring evening stroll. As far as our pollution watch goes for tomorrow, expect moderate levels throughout the state. And here's a look at the New Jersey forecast in the northern part of the state tonight, partly cloudy with lows in the upper 40s overnight. Tomorrow, partly cloudy skies, the chance of a shower, too, with highs in the 70s. In South Jersey tonight, partly cloudy with lows in the 40s and tomorrow, cloudy the chance of some rain in the afternoon highs in the mid 70s. That wraps up our news for tonight. I'm Kent Maddahan for Dick and Jerry and all of us here at NJN News. Thank you for being with us, everyone, and we hope to see you back here again tomorrow night. Thank you.

That's fine there. It's all up in here. Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you.