There is only one way to clear up the questions about potential conflicts of interest in the Xanadu bailout negotiations: Gary Rose must give a full accounting to the public.

GORDON BILL TO AUTHORIZE AQUARIUM AT XANADU APPROVED IN SENATE

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Bob Gordon which would remove regulatory stumbling blocks to allow for the construction of an aquarium in the Xanadu complex at the Meadowlands was approved by the Senate today by a vote of 28-7, receiving final legislative approval.

“The Xanadu project stands to be a major economic and entertainment engine in northern New Jersey,” said Senator Gordon, D-Bergen. “In addition to being a major entertainment destination at the Meadowlands, I believe that the proposal to include an aquarium at the site brings a valuable educational element. We need to remove all regulatory obstacles for this project, to create a top-tier facility to draw in visitors from around the New York metropolitan region.”

GORDON BILL TO AUTHORIZE AQUARIUM AT XANADU APPROVED IN COMMITTEE

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Bob Gordon which would remove regulatory stumbling blocks to allow for the construction of an aquarium in the Xanadu complex at the Meadowlands was unanimously approved by the Senate Economic Growth Committee today.

“Allowing the developers of Xanadu to include an aquarium in their planning introduces an educational element to the facility,” said Senator Gordon, D-Bergen. “Aquariums are a fantastic opportunity for both children and adults to come face to face with some of the treasures of our planet’s oceans. A world-class aquarium at the heart of Xanadu would enhance the development’s regional profile and draw in visitors from around the New York City metropolitan area.”

SARLO - STATE MUST ENSURE ADEQUATE POLICE PRESENCE IN BERGEN COUNTY

TRENTON – Senator Paul A. Sarlo, D-Bergen, Essex and Passaic, the Vice Chair of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement regarding today’s Committee hearing on the FY 2009 Department of Law and Public Safety Budget, and the need to provide funding for a State Police barracks in Bergen County:

Congratulations to The Record’s Jeff Pillets, John Brennan and Tim Nostrand, whose stories on the Encap development plan at the Meadowlands has been named a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for local reporting.   The nomination was "for their probe of how plans to build a luxury community atop old landfills became entangled in questionable state loans and other allegations of favoritism."

 TRENTON – Senator Bob Smith announced today that he will chair a joint meeting of the Senate Environment Committee and Senate Legislative Oversight Committee on Monday, March 17, 2008 to receive testimony from Inspector General Mary Jane Cooper concerning her report on the failures involved in the EnCap golf and housing project.

SCALERA: HORSE-RACING DEAL KEEPS
MEADOWLANDS IN WINNER'S CIRCLE

(NUTLEY) - Assemblyman Fred Scalera today applauded a three-year agreement reached last night that will steer $90 million dollars to the state's horse-racing industry to supplement race purses and ensure the stability of "the sport of kings" in New Jersey.

 TRENTON – Senator Loretta Weinberg, D-Bergen today reacted to the Inspector General’s report on EnCap by saying that U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie should begin an investigation into possible criminal acts in connection with the project:

“Instead of solar power for Xanadu, electricity will be provided by burning fossil fuels – and that’s apparently okay with the state and the Sierra Club.”