Wednesday, 16 March 2022
www.TheObserver.com
Vol. CXXXIV, No. 45
ON THE INSIDE Following an incomparable 20+ year run with The Observer, Jim Hague says ‘Toodleloo’ PAGE 9
BELLEVILLE n BLOOMFIELD n EAST NEWARK n HARRISON n KEARNY n LYNDHURST n NORTH ARLINGTON n NUTLEY
PARADE RETURNS Photos by Kevin A. Canessa Jr.
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espite blustery & frigid conditions (wind chills were in the teens), the return of the West Hudson St. Patrick’s Day parade March 13 was a tremendous success. It was the first parade here since 2019, as COVID-19 led to the cancelation of the event in 2020 & 2021. At left, the Marine Corps Color Guard leads the parade. At right, it’s Sneakers, Tata Mota’s ‘Irish’ bulldog, who was a hit wherever he went during the parade. Find additional photos on Page 19.
Schaer, Sarlo bill halts all public deals with Russia By Kevin A. Canessa Jr.
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kc@theobserver.com
ov. Philip D. Murphy has signed bipartisan legislation into law to prohibit public entities from doing business with Russia, or companies tied to Russia and Belarus. The legislation, Assembly Bill A-3090, was sponsored by Assemblyman Gary Schaer and Sen. Paul Sarlo, both of the 36th Legislative District.
“New Jersey will not fund international conflict; we will act in cooperation with the Biden Administration to make the Russian invasion financially untenable,” Schaer, who represents parts of Passaic and Bergen counties, said. “Violating Ukraine’s democratic right to self-governance must have consequences. My heart is with the people of Ukraine, and the diaspora community in New Jersey. Our state will stand
with Ukraine in its fight for freedom.” During these times of uncertainty, Schaer says he is committed to using the state’s resources to help force an end to Russia’s illegal violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty. The legislation bans public entities from investing pension funds, accepting public contracts or partnering with Russian and Belarusian financial institutions. “We won’t stand by while Russia
see special section on page 8
conducts an unjustified war against Ukraine without taking action,” Sarlo said. “These economic prohibitions will make them pay a price by cutting off sources of revenue here in New Jersey. If other states follow our lead, it will make the sanctions imposed by countries throughout the world even more effective. “We should try to bleed Putin and his oligarchs dry of their profiteering.”
