Get “The Wrap,” our take on the news of the week, in your inbox every Tuesday.
From July 8-14
Generation X Cancer Rates
A new study published this month by the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that Gen-Xers as they age into their 60s have an increased risk of invasive cancers when compared to generations before them. The National Cancer Center study finds that cancer is more likely to hit Gen-Xers than any previous generation born from 1908 to 1964, including the Boomers.
The study does not speak to causes, but instead offers “intelligence” on what is happening so others can then begin looking for causes. Speculation lands on sedentary lifestyles and even pollution from a class of manmade chemicals known as PFAS.
In Cape May County, census data identifies Gen-Xers as the second-largest population group among permanent residents. Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) are the largest group at 34% of the permanent population, with Gen-Xers (born between 1965 and 1980) second at 22%. Cape May County is the oldest county in the state, with a median age of 52, according to the Census Bureau.
The JAMA study concludes that if current cancer trends continue, “cancer in the U.S. could remain unacceptably high for decades to come.”
State data shows Cape May County eighth out of 21 counties in terms of the age-adjusted incident rate for cancer. The county’s annual rate of 5.9 per 100,000 is higher than the state rate of 5.3. The county is also the highest among the 21 counties in terms of cancer in late stages at 36%.
Experts warn that trends in cancer are based on year-to-year changes and are not necessarily generational, although many argue that alterations in the environment may be playing a role in rising cancer rates at younger ages.
They also point out that cancer survival rates have improved significantly. Over the last three decades the risk of dying from cancer has declined, while the incidence is on the rise for many types of cancer.
Oil Peak a Decade Off
A recent Goldman Sachs analysis predicts that peak oil demand globally is at least a decade away. The findings are at odds with predictions by the International Energy Agency, which says peak oil demand will occur in this decade.
“The shift to a clean energy economy is picking up pace,” said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol. “For every dollar going into fossil fuels today, almost two dollars are invested in clean energy.”
A Goldman release sees it differently. “We think peak demand is another decade away, and more importantly, after the decade it takes to peak, it plateaus, rather than sharply declines, for another few years,” it states.
Much depends on the speed with which the shift to electric vehicles happens. “Slower electric vehicle adoption implies longer-lasting demand for oil,” the Goldman study says. Road transportation (gasoline and diesel) represents the largest single driver of oil demand.
The attempts of governments to sync the various aspects of this transition could potentially play havoc with economies. Goldman analysts point out that capital expenditures for oil production are slowing, and that may lead to supply shortages if oil demand has not yet peaked.
In New Jersey, more than 185,000 electric vehicles are registered. As of March they accounted for 2.6% of total registered vehicles and 11.6% of new vehicle sales. There are approximately 1,200 public charging stations in the state, according to Qmerit, an electrification company that also does home electric vehicle chargers. It is, in the company’s terms, “a somewhat limited charging infrastructure.”
Sources of State Revenue
The Pew Trust came out this week with a new analysis of where each of the 50 states gets it general revenue. A look at New Jersey’s numbers speaks to the sense that many New Jerseyans have of being overtaxed.
For fiscal year 2025 the state budget projects $54.1 billion in revenue, short $1.8 billion from its target for appropriations. The deficit will be made up through depletion of the state’s surplus.
Dependence on taxation as the major source of revenue is not new in New Jersey. Pew finds we are the fifth-highest state in terms of state general revenue coming from state taxes. The only states that claim a bigger share of their general revenue in taxes are California, Connecticut, Minnesota and Nevada.
In terms of state revenue, the projections in Gov. Phil Murphy’s budget are for $19.4 billion in gross income taxes, $13.7 billion in sales tax revenue and $5.4 billion in corporate business taxes. Those are the big three for state tax revenue streams.
The Tax Foundation gives New Jersey the top spot nationally in terms of property taxes as a percentage of housing value. Pew calculates that the percentage for New Jersey is 2.23%, the number one spot nationally. Cape May County does benefit in terms of the median property tax paid by county in the Garden State, where it is the second-lowest among New Jersey’s 21 counties.
In other words, New Jerseyans find themselves fifth in the nation in terms of the percentage of state general revenue that comes from taxes and first nationally for property taxes as a percent of housing value. Even with this we have a state budget that the Rutgers State Policy Lab says has a structural deficit that has to depend on surplus depletion, often called rainy-day funds, for balance.
Happenings
Ocean City Beach Patrol lifeguards rescued a couple and their dog from a grounded pontoon boat in Corson’s Inlet on July 8. Using personal watercraft, the guards safely transported them to shore, and no medical treatment was required.
A crash involving an Inspira ambulance on July 6 sent a 78-year-old driver to Jefferson Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The accident occurred on Route 9 in Swainton as the ambulance was responding to an emergency, with a traffic summons pending further investigation.
On July 8, a suspicious package near Washington Street Mall in Cape May prompted a response from multiple agencies, including the Atlantic City Bomb Squad. A separate package was also located nearby. After investigation, the packages were determined to pose no hazard, and the area was declared safe.
Martin Pagliughi was honored upon retiring as the Cape May County Office of Emergency Management coordinator after 12 years of service, including notable leadership during Tropical Storm Sandy. Christopher Leusner, former Middle Township mayor and police chief, was to succeed him on July 12, bringing extensive law enforcement and leadership experience to the role.
Rev. Robert Strauss started as the new pastor of Tabernacle United Methodist Church on July 7 after retiring from 41 years of service with the United Methodist Church. He resides in Villas with his wife and enjoys activities such as beach walks and playing miniature golf with his grandson.
The Zoning Board of Stone Harbor will consider a second settlement proposal in the dispute with Kara and Kyle Sweet over the expansion of their home on Stone Court. After rejecting a previous proposal, the board is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the new settlement proposal on Aug. 5 at 6 p.m. in borough hall.
The Wildwood Board of Commissioners has passed an ordinance tightening restrictions on dogs on the boardwalk, now prohibiting them “at any time” except for service dogs. The change aims to enforce existing regulations and address concerns about cleanliness and compliance with the law.
Patrick McGonigal, a retired financial professional from Northeast Philadelphia, has embraced Cape May as his second home, where he enjoys hosting family gatherings in his renovated historic house on Beach Avenue. Active in philanthropy, he fundraises for local and international causes while relishing the community and recreational activities the area offers.
In recent Upper Township Committee meetings, resolutions to change Gary S. DeMarzo’s title to Keyboarding Clerk 1 were twice tabled or not voted upon. DeMarzo, who became Upper Township’s business administrator in April 2022, has a background as a former Wildwood mayor and police officer, and holds a master’s degree in public administration from Rutgers University.
David Fletcher III, 38, was charged with endangering the welfare of a child and aggravated assault after bystanders observed him behaving erratically while under the influence of PCP, endangering his infant son by dropping and swinging him in an unsafe manner. Fletcher admitted to smoking PCP while with his son, leading to his arrest and transport to the Cape May County Correctional Center.
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has received three bids for offshore wind energy projects in its latest solicitation round, including a proposal from Atlantic Shores to consolidate existing projects into a 2,800 megawatt capacity. Details on the other bidders remain undisclosed, with decisions expected by December to advance the state’s renewable energy goals.
William Hoyle, wanted for a shooting in Wildwood that critically injured bystander Vilte Gruzdyte, turned himself in to Camden police. Hoyle faces charges including attempted murder, with ongoing investigations seeking further information from the public.
Sea & Leaf, the second licensed cannabis store in Cape May County since legalization, opened at the North Cape Shopping Center on July 10. Owner Dilpreet “Jimmy” Singh offers a range of cannabis products, including edibles and vape pens, aiming to serve both recreational users and those seeking therapeutic benefits.
Sara Aparicio of Colorado Springs donated her kidney to Eric Springer of Court House, whom she connected with through a Facebook group for kidney disease patients. The transplant, completed in April, has deeply impacted both, forging a familial bond between them.
Charles Muller, an Edison resident, bequeathed over $1.4 million to the Cape May County Zoological Society, marking the largest recent donation to the zoo. Former zoo director Mike Laffey, executor of Muller’s estate, facilitated the bequest, honoring Muller’s affinity for the zoo and its tiger, Rocky.
Spout Off of the Week
Villas – The political landscape in this country has become almost unbearable. But the calls for violence against opponents has to stop. We see that some people are taking this rhetoric seriously.
Read more spouts at spoutoff.capemaycountyherald.com.
