Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 8/30/2021 – InsiderNJ

Reasserting a line of attack over the Murphy Administration’s ‘serial mistreatment of women‘, GOP gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli launched a web ad series and website with the theme that Murphy ‘doesn’t stand for women’.

The AFT endorsed Governor Murphy for re-election, with Governor Murphy using the occasion to throw an elbow at Ciattarelli.

The NJ State Council of Machinists endorsed Governor Murphy for re-election.

Make The Road Action endorsed Governor Murphy for re-election.

NOW-NJ made endorsements in the general election.

In LD2, GOP Assembly candidate Don Guardian was endorsed by the Log Cabin Republicans.

In LD4, GOP Assembly candidate Denise Gonzalez slammed Democrats’ ‘radio silence’ on holding Governor Murphy accountable on various issues.

The NJDSC slammed Ciattarelli for ‘flip-flopping’ on the mask mandate.

Several unions announced joint endorsements in the Morris County commissioner seat races.

Former Atlantic County Commissioner candidate Celeste Fernandez slammed the Atlantic County Elections Board over the recount.

The NJ Young Democrats announced the application process for endorsements.

The New Leaders Council-NJ announced Petra Gaskins as the new chapter director.

The NJ Young Democrats participated in the 2021 YDA convention.

ELEC825 launched the ‘Just Vote’ campaign.

A Norcross-linked group will host a fundraiser honoring Norcross, according to Politico NJ.

ELEC rejected the Murphy campaign’s request to hold earlier debates, according to Politico NJ.

Governor Murphy took action on legislation, signed ‘Timothy J. Piazza’s Law’, signed legislation establishing the Garden State C-PACE program, and signed legislation establishing a fund to provide grants for energy efficiency for schools and small businesses.

Governor Murphy announced Wesley McWhite as the director of the Cannabis Regulatory Commission’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

Governor Murphy announced Noreen Giblin as deputy chief counsel and director of the Authorities Unit.

Senator Polistina was sworn-in to the Senate, bypassing Senate President Sweeney (iLine post), per Harry Hurley. Senate Republicans urged Senate President Sweeney to recognize Polistina’s swearing-in.

NJ DOBI announced a grant program for navigators to assist residents with health insurance enrollment.

The Treasury announced the upcoming departure of Deputy Treasurer Cathy Brennan.

Senate President Sweeney and Senator Addiego will introduce legislation to protect farmland and prevent warehouse sprawl.

Speaker Coughlin applauded the signing of legislation to include incarcerated persons’ home-based addresses for congressional redistricting.

Senator Testa slammed Governor Murphy’s energy master plan as a ‘disaster plan’.

Senator Bucco urged Governor Murphy to rethink the energy master plan.

Senator O’Scanlon urged Governor Murphy to use federal funds to shore up the unemployment insurance fund.

Senators Singer, O’Scanlon, Thompson, Connors, and Holzapfel urged the NJ Department of Homeland Security to vet incoming Afghan refugees.

Assemblywoman Speight will co-host a bookbag and school supplies distribution tomorrow in Newark.

The NJEA applauded Governor Murphy’s executive order requiring school employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine or be regularly tested.

The NJ Apartment Association released a statement on the SCOTUS decision to end the CDC eviction moratorium.

The NJ Chamber of Commerce announced a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for its employees and event attendees.

The NJ Business Coalition urged Governor Murphy to use federal funds to offset the coming unemployment insurance payroll tax increase.

The NJ Institute for Social Justice and League of Women Voters urged the beginning of the redistricting process.

The NJ League of Conservation Voters announced a ‘Green in ’21’ program.

Consumers For Quality Care released a survey showing concern among New Jerseyans about rising health care costs.

The Recovery4All coalition launched a petition drive in key legislative districts urging the inclusion of relief funding for undocumented residents.

Download and read Insider NJ’s 2021 Insider 100: Policymakers publication.

The Municipal Innovation Summit will hold its annual conference on October 2nd.

In Newark, a FDU poll finds some long-term elected officials remain largely unknown to residents, including Rep. Payne, who has a 7% approval rating and garners 52% name recognition. Mayor Baraka was appointed to the EPA’s Local Government Advisory Board. The Murphy Administration continued to advance the redesign of Newark Penn Station.

In Hoboken, Councilman Jim Doyle will run for re-election on Mayor Bhalla’s ticket, replacing Dini Ajmani on the slate. Mayor Bhalla applauded the school district’s plan for COVID-19 vaccinations and regular testing. Rumors are swirling as the petition deadline looms for the November election, according to TAPinto. Councilman DeFusco ruled out a mayoral bid, according to Hudson County View.

In Jersey City, Mayor Fulop submitted 6,000 petitions to run for re-election. Kristen Zadroga-Hart announced her candidacy for Ward A council. Ward E Councilman Solomon released his education platform. Ward F Councilman Robinson submitted petitions to run for re-election. Ward C council candidate Tom Zuppa submitted over 500 petition signatures, according to TAPinto.

In Parsippany, Rep. Sherrill endorsed Mayor Soriano and his council slate.

In Montclair, Rep. Sherrill mourned the loss of community leader Al Pelham. Mayor Spiller expressed support for Afghan refugee settlement in New Jersey. A court rejected a challenge to the 2021 leafblower ordinance.

In Atlantic City, the Small Administration announced the criteria for premium payments issued to taxpayers and city employees.

In Neptune City, the GOP announced their local ticket.

In Ewing, unions rallied outside SERV in support of a new contract.

In Dunellen, the town honored Olympic gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin.

In Princeton, Community Options Inc. announced a $500 incentive for employees to get the COVID-19 vaccination.

In Middle, the township is pursuing a $1.5M roads improvement plan.

In Red Bank, Councilman Ballard applauded the approval of a developer cost-sharing ordinance.

In Asbury Park, the city says a boardwalk developer is falling short on promises, according to the Asbury Park Press.

In Berkeley, the 2021 budget holds the line on taxes, according to the Asbury Park Press.

In Branchburg, Mayor Beatrice urged Governor Murphy to rethink the school masks mandate, according to MyCentralJersey.

In Brick, the town is suing an Orthodox Jewish boys school that opened without approval, according to the Asbury Park Press.

In Fairfield, the BOE asked the Governor to end the schools mask mandate, according to NJ Hills.

In Franklin, two proposed Hindu temples face opposition, according to MyCentralJersey.

In Hanover Park, the BOE urged Governor Murphy to reconsider the schools mask mandate, according to NJ Hills. The BOE tabled a equity speaker hire after parental outcry, according to NJ Hills.

In Lakewood, school attorney pay is topping $1M, according to the Asbury Park Press.

In Middletown, Committeewoman Snell resigned, according to the Asbury Park Press.

In Middlesex, the borough is spending $2M on capital improvements, according to MyCentralJersey.

In Morris Township, the Democrats kicked off their campaign, according to NJ Hills.

In Mount Olive, the schools chief told anti-mask parents that the ‘executive order stays‘, according to NJ Hills.

In Paterson, Mayor Sayegh vetoed the council’s ban on recreational cannabis sales, according to Paterson Times. Schools are scrambling to fill 74 vacant teaching positions, according to Paterson Press. The city’s personnel director resigned, according to Paterson Times.

In Somerville, the town took a step towards landfill redevelopment, according to MyCentralJersey.

In South Plainfield, the schools chief is being sued over allegations of age discrimination, according to MyCentralJersey.

In Trenton, the Downtown Association is regrouping after 5 members resigned, according to the Trentonian.

In Wayne, the town can’t enforce the COVID-19 vaccine policy for staff after a PBA lawsuit, according to NorthJersey.com. Residents discussed the schools mask mandate at a BOE meeting, according to NorthJersey.com.

In Wood Ridge, racial tensions are at the center of the Westmont Station lawsuit, according to the Bergen Record.