Regional Briefs – November 11, 2015

Former Assemblyman Vito Lopez Dead at 74

BROOKLYN – Vito Lopez, who resigned in 2013 after a 30-year career in the Assembly and leader of Brooklyn’s Democratic party, died Monday of cancer. He was 74, the Associated Press reported. Current party chairman, Frank Seddio, said Lopez should be remembered as a fighter for his constituents.

Christie Crash: Only 8% of NJ GOPers Back Presidential Bid

TRENTON – Only 8 percent of Garden State Republicans support Gov. Chris Christie’s presidential bid, according to a Quinnipiac poll out Monday. Voters overall in the state say by a 61 to 33 percent margin that the governor should drop out of the presidential race.

Charges Against Cat Feeder Dismissed in Agreement

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – A man cited for his daily routine of feeding homeless cats had his charges dismissed Monday after agreeing to stay off the Meadowlands for six months, The Record reported. Michael Marra, 59, says he’s happy the fate of the cats is no longer in jeopardy after the operator of the arena promised to care for them.

Cop Seeks to Toss Admission He Stole Sandwiches

MORRISTOWN, N.J. – A former police sergeant who pleaded guilty in 2008 to stealing $29 in sandwiches now wants to vacate the plea, claiming his attorney didn’t adequately explain his options, The Associated Press reported. But the judge says it “defies belief” that Christopher Stahl didn’t realize he would be barred from doing so.

This article appeared in print on page 22 of the November 11th, 2015 edition of Hamodia.