Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 3/23/2022 – InsiderNJ

In CD5, the four GOP primary hopefuls participated in a forum in Bergen County, as they vie for the endorsement of the BCRO.

In CD8, Governor Murphy’s Deputy Press Secretary Michael Zhadanovsky will serve as Robert Menendez Jr.’s campaign communications director, according to Hudson County View.

In CD10, Essex, Union, and Hudson commissioners endorsed Rep. Payne.

ICYMI: In LD24, Space won’t seek re-election; in CD5, DeGregorio was endorsed by Paramus, Waldwick leaders; Insider NJ’s Who’s Up And Who’s Down; in CD2, Alexander secured AC Dem line; Jones sent a letter Harrison requesting NJ has early prez primary; ACGOP Chair Davis resigning; Somerset Dems endorsed candidates; Cabana lone incumbent to secure Morris line; in CD11, Anderson kicked off next phase of primary candidacy; Vainieri launched HCDO chair candidacy; in CD2, GOP primary candidate Pignatelli lashed out at Van Drew

The Governor’s FY2023 budget briefing book is available online.

ALEC ranked Governor Murphy among the bottom ten Governors for 2021 on their annual scorecard.

The remaining COVID-19 restrictions at the Statehouse were lifted, according to NJ Monitor.

The NJDHS is partnering with KIND to provide free legal counsel and social services support to migrant children and youth.

Senators Testa and Pennacchio introduced legislation to reaffirm parental rights in school curriculums.

The Common Sense Club announced that Assemblymembers Barranco and Sawyer joined as co-sponsors of the ‘NJ Parental Bill of Rights’..

Mayors Sayegh and Gusciora called for the swift passage of A2426/S513.

Jersey Water Works and NJ Future won a national water data prize.

ICYMI: KZ Group announced addition of Banasiak as VP; McKnight named chair of Legislative Black Caucus Foundation; Murphy on self-serve gas: ‘third rail’ of state politics; Sarlo announced budget hearing dates; GSE welcomed Winslow-Majette as Deputy Director

In Newark, former South Ward Councilman Oscar James is seeking a comeback, now running in the West Ward where he intends to zero in on the politically neglected sections of the ward, while insiders generally see the race as a two-man contest between Team Baraka candidate Dupre Kelly and Chigozie Onyema.

In Camden, Rep. Norcross and county commissioner unveiled an electric bus infrastructure. Mayor Carstarphen says the timing of the city’s budget is a sign of progress, according to the Courier Post.

In Middle, the township is pursuing grant support for Del Haven residents’ transition to fresh water.

In Hamilton (Atlantic), $4.6M in federal funds were awarded towards the Lake Lenape Dam project.

In Audubon, the town honored its ‘Medal of Honor’ recipients, according to the Courier Post.

In Barnegat, the mayor says no laws were broken using town email to organize a January 6th Trump rally, according to the Asbury Park Press.

In Bayonne, Team Davis and Ward 3 council candidate Franco traded punches, according to Hudson County View.

In Carteret, final approval was given to begin building a ferry terminal, according to MyCentralJersey.

In Chatham, the BOE introduced a $78M budget, according to NJ Hills.

In High Bridge, alcoholic container rules were updated, according to NJ Hills.

In Hoboken, Charles Poggi blasted the city over the proposed municipal complex, according to Hudson County View.

In Howell, the DCA is probing council Democrats, according to the Asbury Park Press.

In Florham Park, a budget was introduced with a 2% tax increase, according to NJ Hills.

In Jersey City, the BOE approved a preliminary $973M budget, according to Hudson County View. The council discussed the cannabis licensure process during a caucus meeting, according to Hudson County View.

In Madison, the budget will contain a 2% tax increase, according to NJ Hills.

In Mount Olive, the town is girding for algae bloom season, according to NJ Hills.

In New Brunswick, the tax rate was set for recreational marijuana businesses, according to MyCentralJersey.

In Ocean City, electric vehicle charging stations are coming to the town, according to the Press of Atlantic City.

In Paterson, City Hall is closed due to basement flooding, according to Paterson Press. Residents face a double-digit school tax increase for the fourth straight year, according to Paterson Press.

In Phillipsburg, the council will introduce a anti-nepotism policy, according to TAPinto.

In Pleasantville, Williams began his tenure as police chief, according to the Press of Atlantic City.

In Ridgewood, neighbors object to a billboard proposal, according to the Bergen Record.

In Sayreville, $97M in school improvements are planned, according to MyCentralJersey.

In Sea Isle City, the Vietnam Veterans ceremony is returning, according to the Press of Atlantic City.

In Somerville, tax bills will increase around $31, according to TAPinto.

In Trenton, the brother of disgraced ex-Mayor Mack was fired from his DCA job, according to the Trentonian.

In Wall, the town is reckoning with change, according to the Asbury Park Press.

In Wildwood, the mayor says the boardwalk will reopen this summer, according to the Press of Atlantic City.

In Woodland Park, three council incumbents won’t seek re-election, according to NorthJersey.

ICYMI: In Newark, McCray seeking Central Ward council seat; in Roselle, Wilkerson and Thomas announced re-election bids; in Rahway, Probus launched primary campaign for mayor; in Bridgewater, POP mobilized in solidarity with Z’Kye Hussain; in Morristown, annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade was held; in Woodland Park, Team Kazmark unveiled slate; in Ocean Gate, mayor charged with official misconduct; in Newark, 32BJ made endorsements; Council stepping up to plate in South Ward, Middleton wants to shakeup the male-dominated atmosphere; in Paterson, AG’s Office announced criminal contempt charge against Torres; in Linden, city came together for Ukraine