The relationship between the City of Newark's government and Devils Arena Entertainment, depending on two related developments since their April 4 public falling out are interpreted, may have become more abysmal over the last week.

Mayor Cory A. Booker told City Hall beat reporters April 5 that he was informed by DAE officials that his request for Bruce Springsteen concert tickets at the Prudential Center had been turned down. "The Boss" has been slated to perform here May 2.

The mayor of Newark has many jobs operating the city. Overseeing the administration, bringing business to the city, enforcement…and even saving lives.

After a television interview on April 12, the mayor returned home with his security detail that night, only to find that a neighbor’s home on Hawthorne Avenue was in flames. Detective Alex Rodriguez, one of the members of the detail, rescued two women before Booker and the others went into the burning building. The intrepid group reached the third floor through flames and smoke to rescue a woman on that floor.

Once the fire department arrived, Booker and the third-floor victim were taken to University Hospital for treatment. The mayor had second-degree burns on his right hand and smoke inhalation, but is expected to recover. No details on the woman are available at this time.

The ruling did give Newark $14.7 million in back rent owed by the Prudential Center’s chief tenant, the New Jersey Devils. However, the court also gave the Devils - who earlier in the year were discovered to be in debt with creditors - $15.3 million in unpaid revenue and other costs.

In a statement, the NHL Playoffs-bound Devils said, “We are pleased that, finally, there is clarity to what has been a long process. The three arbitrators must be commended for their diligent and thoughtful work in bringing this matter to a close. Now, for the first time, we can put this matter behind us and work closely with the city and housing authority in ensuring Newark and the Rock succeed beyond all expectations.”

The city of Newark however, was not as pleased. Although there will be $3 million in rent going forward, the city will have to pay near $2.7 million in parking fees, which makes any profit from the rent a moot point.

“This to me was a bad deal from the start,” said an incensed Mayor Booker. “I’ve said it time and time again.”

The mayor continued, saying that Vanderbeek “came into this city with a mouthful of promises and a pocket full of lies.” Booker, in a rare display of anger, even referred to Vanderbeek as “a highfalutin, high-class, huckster and hustler.”

“Now he’s sitting pretty in his fancy office waiting for us to write him more checks? Hell no!

“Before we pay another dime into this arena, we will fight for Newark, New Jersey.” Booker said.

Statement from Local Talk Newark  (OP-ED)

Concerning the Prudential Center, Local Talk Newark has been in contact in many Newark residents, who have been displeased with the way business has been conducted by the executives in charge of the facility. At this moment, we are asking the community if they feel a boycott of the Prudential Center and the business interests of Jeff Vanderbeek is necessary. Please e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (973) 678-2582 to give us your opinion.

All six Municipal Council members present at their March 21 meeting unanimously approved an ordinance that call for an investigation of those involved with the New York Police Department's covert surveillance of the city's Muslim community.

The ordinance, which passed at 7:50 p.m. before a packed council chamber gallery main floor audience of 250, calls for "an investigation of any and all government and law enforcement personnel with regard to the intelligence gathering activities of the NYPD and the Newark Police Department throughout the Muslim community."

The measure, authored and sponsored by Central Ward Councilman Darrin Sharif, was in response to the 2007 surveillance of various masjids, schools and businesses owned and/or operated by Muslims or frequented by Muslims. Controversy erupted in Newark when the Associated Press received and published a 60-page top secret NYPD intelligence report on their surveillance observations and findings.