Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 4/6/2022 – InsiderNJ
Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I think you’re going to hear it again over and over, so I might as well put it out there. I know the Senate president was not happy to hear that when he was briefed on it.” – Senate Budget Committee Chairman Sarlo on the removal of legislative oversight of $3B in federal COVID-19 funds in the Governor’s proposed budget
TOP STORY: ‘It’s About Respect’ – The Somerset GOP Career of Janet Linnus
The Morning Intelligence Briefing will be on break starting Tuesday, April 12th through Friday, April 15th, and will be back on Monday, April 18th.
The statewide cumulative COVID-19 count stands at 1,903,916 cases and 30,258 confirmed fatalities (and 302,339 probable cases and 3,006 probable fatalities) as of Tuesday (an increase of 1,199 confirmed cases, 474 probable cases, 10 lab-confirmed fatalities, and 3 hospital-reported fatalities from the previous day). The viral transmission rate is 1.09. There are 403 total hospitalizations, with 44 in intensive care units. There are 6,823,589 people fully vaccinated.
The new state sex ed mandate is drawing fire for graphic topics, according to Burlington County Times.
Newark Mayor Baraka testified in DC on the city’s lead service line replacement program.
The Atlantic County Elections Board is split over early voting sites, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
Somerset County may get its first medical marijuana dispensary, according to MyCentralJersey.
Union County is rethinking social services interview spaces, according to NJ101.5.
Senator Menendez questioned the Biden Administration’s plans to handle the expected influx of migrants at the border when Title 42 comes to an end.
Rep. Van Drew slammed President Biden’s decision to end Title 42.
Rep. Pascrell introduced the ‘Offshore Wind Manufacturing Act’.
Rep. Sherrill’s ‘NOAA Chief Scientist Act’ was advanced by House Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee.
New Jersey City University will honor Paul Silverman as its 2022 Leadership Arts Award honoree.
A WalletHub study ranks New Jersey the nation’s best state in which to work from home.
ICYMI: Bon Jovi and Murphys joining forces to help Ukraine; Menendez rallied with local leaders in Hillside for SCOTUS nominee Brown Jackson; Booker defended SCOTUS nominee Brown Jackson; Kim connected with key constituency at federal worker rally; Sherrill visited Picatinny; Essex’s Richardson discusses labor movement, Newark politics; US Atty announced Civil Rights Division; Rutgers-Eagleton poll finds 1/3 want to leave state; Van Drew upbraided Murphy over early prison releases; NJ filed legal brief opposing Waterfront Commission; Menendez says more must be done for Ukraine; majority of residents aren’t happy w/ direction of the state; state won’t reinstate mandated measures for now; Murphy appointed Patwell as CRDA Director; Malinowski on Ukraine: ‘don’t discount what we are now doing‘
Monday’s primary petition filing deadline brings not only candidates, but also candidate slogans – some catchy, some creative, and some kooky.
In CD3, several organizations urged Rep. Kim to co-sponsor the ‘Medicare For All Act’.
In CD5, GOP primary candidate Fred Schneiderman launched his first TV ad, according to SaveJersey.
In CD7, former Senator Kean dueled with the DCCC over the racist remarks allegedly made by Clark Township Mayor Bonaccorso; Kean called the allegations ‘disturbing‘, while the DCCC demanded Kean reject his endorsement and call for his resignation.
In CD8, Rob Menendez Jr. lauded his labor support as the congressional primary gets underway, according to Hudson County View.
Morris County Democrats will see a primary for three county commissioner seats.
Emails reveal that prominent law firms were among the donors to Sean Caddle’s dark money groups, according to Politico NJ.
Former Christie staffer Matt Mowers, running for Congress in New Hampshire, voted twice during the 2016 primary election, once in New Hampshire and once in New Jersey, according to NJ.com.
ICYMI: Cabana asks Mastrangelo to refrain using name on campaign lit; Insider NJ’s Who’s Up And Who’s Down; in CD11, Sherrill formally launched campaign, Bramnick is all in with Selen, DeGroot filed petitions for primary; Hunterdon GOP endorsed Rich, Lanza, Brown; in CD3, Smith says breathalyzer refusal resulted from ‘distrust after 2 years of persecution‘; Morris Dems selected candidates for commissioner; in CD4, Francisco dropped out and joined forces with Crispi; in CD5, at least 2 will remain in primary; in CD3, Hendler filed lawsuit against Mercer Dems alleging convention denial; in CD7, Malinowski held a town hall; Bratsenis pleaded guilty in murder-for-hire case; in CD5, Pallotta soldiering on, despite losing Bergen convention; in CD11, Casha ended bid, following loss at Morris convention
Governor Murphy reclaimed control of $3B in federal COVID-19 funds, removing legislative oversight of the funds in his proposed budget, and lawmakers are fuming, according to NJ.com.
Senate Majority Leader Ruiz introduced a legislative package to address child care.
Senate Majority Leader Ruiz and Senator Singelton lauded the enactment of their legislation to recruit minority male teachers.
Senator Corrado introduced legislation to end the COVID-19 testing mandate for teachers and support staff.
The Recreational Fishing Alliance selected Lorna O’Hara as interim director.
ICYMI: Durr slammed Governor Murphy’s April Fools’ joke; Sweeney Center launched multi-year budget project; HSG announced Couch as VP; Mir joined NJPP; Scutari will form committee on cannabis delays; Coughlin, Gopal introduced legislation to delay school start times; Assembly Budget Committee held hearing on budget; Rooney announced Conlon as COS; Murphy: self-serve gas ‘third rail’ of state politics
In Paterson, a TargetSmart poll shows Mayor Sayegh with a comfortable margin over his rivals in the mayoral race; Sayegh garners 47% to nearest rival Councilman Mendez at 20%. The poll was taken before former Mayor Torres’ endorsement of Mendez, solidifying an alliance ahead of the election.
In Dover, Alderman Correa filed petitions to run for re-election, off-the-line after the Morris County Democrats pulled their support, and is fielding a slate of challengers in the primary for county commission.
In Newark, the West Ward council race got a little more interesting this week, as candidate Chigozie Onyema unearthed and released a video of Mayor Baraka heaping praise upon him in 2013; Baraka is backing Dupre Kelly on his Team Baraka slate, as the mayor and his allies look to consolidate power in key wards. The West Ward candidates collided at a forum last week.
In Rahway, Senate President Scutari endorsed Mayor Giacobbe and his council running mates in the primary. The GOP announced their candidates, according to TAPinto.
In Clark, the PBA released a statement on allegations of misconduct and racist remarks from the mayor and police officials. Mayor Bonnacorso apologized to the community over the remarks, according to TAPinto.
In Englewood Cliffs, Mayor Krajac announced that the borough will begin accepting Ukrainian refugees.
In Clinton, Councilman Traphagen will run for re-election with Miska and Frolihch.
In Evesham, the GOP announced their candidates for the fall.
In Kearny, the Democrats announced a full slate for council.
In Bridgewater, Mayor Moench announced an updated universal roads assessment and improvement plan.
In Barnegat, three candidates submitted petitions for committee, according to TAPinto.
In Bayonne, Council President and mayoral candidate Ashe Nadrowski released her quality of life plan, according to Hudson County View.
In Bernardsville, a bagel store’s owners say a proposal threatens their livelihoods, according to NJ Hills.
In Chatham Township, Republicans Flynn and Rubino declared their candidacies for committee, according to TAPinto.
In East Hanover, Brokaw is running for his third term on the council, according to NJ Hills. The town formally thanked Mayor Pannullo for pandemic leadership, according to TAPinto.
In High Bridge, the third flat budget was passed, according to NJ Hills.
In Hillsborough, the BOE selected Jim Ruh to fill a vacant seat, according to TAPinto.
In Howell, a Monmouth Commerce Center ad is angering neighbors, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Long Branch, an 88-year old BOE member faces a ‘terroristic threat’ charge, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Long Hill, Frank Liberato will challenge an incumbent in the GOP primary, according to NJ Hills. The police returned to their headquarters following a renovation, according to NJ Hills.
In Lower Township, police officers agreed to quit the force following bicycle thefts, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Jersey City, the city recognized the trans community, according to TAPinto.
In Madison, four candidates will seek two council seats, according to NJ Hills. Republicans are backing Clark and Van Natten for council, according to NJ Hills.
In Mendham Township, Orlins bowed out and Slayne stepped in for the June primary, according to NJ Hills.
In Middletown, the $3.2M purchase of a park was approved, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Morris Plains, Bruhn is challenging Karr for mayor, according to NJ Hills.
In Mount Laurel, the MUA received an award for transparency and public education, according to TAPinto.
In Mount Olive, the council will take action on $10M in capital improvements, according to NJ Hills.
In New Brunswick, masks will be optional as the city council returns to in-person meetings, according to TAPinto.
In North Haledon, Mayor George is refusing an order to remove the High Mountain star, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Nutley, the town has a new municipal attorney, according to TAPinto.
In Paterson, developer Charles Florio slammed Councilman Mendez for accepting former Mayor Torres’ endorsement, according to Paterson Times.
In Plainfield, the Housing Authority pledged quick fixes after the feds cited dozens of bad contracts, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Pleasantville, the controversy over concession continues, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Raritan, the township expressed support for the Hunterdon Land Trust, according to TAPinto.
In Red Bank, Mayor Menna and Councilwoman Horgan won’t seek re-election, citing ‘divisiveness, distrust, and acrimony’, according to TAPinto.
In Ridgewood, the council will address traffic issues, according to TAPinto.
In Trenton, Police Director Wilson survived a removal effort, according to the Trentonian.
In Union, Democrats and Republicans will square off in the fall for committee seats, according to TAPinto.
In Wayne, there’s great expectations for the new administrator, according to TAPinto.
ICYMI: In Rahway, upswing could be lifeline for Malinowski; in North Caldwell, Raymond announced mayoral bid; in Union Township, Cavadas filed for re-election w/ Bowser; in Palisades Park, Chung filed petitions; in Millburn, GOP announced candidates; in Newark, Crump running unopposed for a full term, John Sharpe James offered his thoughts on city politics; in Newark, Rountree rallied with airport workers; in Newark, White’s South Ward candidacy tossed on challenge, East Ward’s Campos says he has key factor that rivals lack; in Dover, Robinson supports Ruiz over Correa in Ward 3 primary; in Newark, Bankston says ‘we need a political beast‘ in South Ward; in Newark, Jones pursuing South Ward candidacy; in Newark, James seeking comeback in West Ward; in Newark, McCray seeking Central Ward seat
AROUND THE WEB:
Candidates rush to run in midterm primaries
Colleen O’Dea, NJ Spotlight
- The highest number of congressional candidates since the so-called Watergate election in 1974 have filed for the June primary, drawn by new districts and a belief that Democratic incumbents will be vulnerable in this midterm election year.
Forbes billionaires list is out: The richest person in N.J. is … hard to figure
ROI NJ Staff
- Determining the wealthiest person in an area always is tough to figure. After all, the super-rich have been known to overestimate — or underestimate — their wealth, depending on their ego or needs. In New Jersey, you can add this to the equation: Whether the person is able to list another location as home — in order to escape our high taxes.
Genesis Obando, NJ Spotlight
- In about a month, New Jersey will ban single-use plastic and single-use paper bags, which is said to be the strongest such ban in the nation. Environmentalists pushed for such a legal ban for years, citing damage caused by plastic pollutants. The ban aims to reduce plastic pollutants in the ocean, waterways and on land.
Hitman who killed on orders from N.J. political operative gets 8 years for Connecticut robbery
Joe Atmonavage, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- A career criminal who admitted killing in 2014 in a murder-for-hire scheme orchestrated by a prominent New Jersey political operative was sentenced Tuesday to 96 months in federal prison in an unrelated bank robbery that year in Connecticut.
Slew of Republican candidacies leave N.J. with wide congressional field
Nikita Biryukov, NJ Monitor
- A slew of Republican candidacies has left New Jersey — and the 7th Congressional District in particular — with a wider congressional field than it has seen in decades. Sixty-three candidates filed to seek one of New Jersey’s 12 House seats ahead of Monday’s 4 p.m. deadline. With 41 candidates, Republicans account for nearly two-thirds of those running.
Long Valley resident Dorlon hoping to break from congressional pack
Mark Kitchin, NJ Hills
- Along with their pancakes and sausage, visitors got a dollop of politics when Long Valley resident and 7th District Congressional candidate Kevin Dorlon showed up at the Schooley’s Mountain Fire House pancake breakfast on Sunday, April 3.
Ex-HCCC VP lawsuit about questionable contractor billing, construction bid settled for $250k
John Heinis, Hudson County View
- A lawsuit filed by a former Hudson County Community College vice president of administrative services about at least one instance of questionable contractor billing and construction vendor selection was settled for $250,000, public records show.
Counties look for help in wresting $126 million in 911 fees from state
Michelle Brunetti Post, Press of Atlantic City
- Every cellphone and land line in New Jersey is charged a 90-cent monthly fee that is supposed to fund 911 services in New Jersey, but instead the state has been diverting it for its own use since 2009, according to county officials.
Inflation, imbalance: Lots of anxiety over NJ’s $49B budget plan
Michael Symons, NJ1015
- New Jersey’s budget spends more than it takes in and isn’t sustainable in the long run, nonpartisan fiscal analysts told lawmakers at a Monday hearing – though also said that point would be moot if revenues exceed Gov. Phil Murphy’s expectations, as they expect will happen.
NJ on track for a bigger tax windfall
John Reitmeyer, NJ Spotlight
- Lawmakers should expect New Jersey’s recent surge in tax collections to be even stronger than Gov. Phil Murphy has been predicting, according to the latest estimates released by nonpartisan legislative budget analysts.
New Jersey’s ban on shopping bags won’t get a whole lotta love | Mulshine
Paul Mulshine, Star-Ledger
- The band “Led Zeppelin” took its name from the English version of our cliche “go over like a lead balloon.” For all the fans who might not have gotten the meaning, an album cover showed that famous photo of the German zeppelin Hindenburg going down over Lakehurst.
Political races set in Warren, Watchung
David Polakiewicz, NJ Hills
- Warren Township voters will have a Republican primary race to decide for Township Committee, while Watchung voters have a mayoral contest shaping up for this fall.
Wildlife experts meet in Long Branch, push ‘most important’ bill in 50 years
Amanda Oglesby, Asbury Park Press
- The president of the National Wildlife Federation called on natural resource protection professionals gathered Monday in Long Branch to throw their support behind what he called the “most important piece of wildlife legislation in half a century.”
‘Let’s go Brandon’ could be on NJ ballot
Eric Scott, NJ1015
- Brandon Brown, the inspiration for an anti-Joe Biden chant, may make it onto the ballot in New Jersey, sort of. A perennial political candidate has filed a petition to run in the Republican primary in New Jersey’s 4th congressional district using the line “Let’s Go Brand*n – FJB.”
New maps show contaminated private water wells in Central Jersey
My Central Jersey
- The nonprofit Raritan Headwaters Association (RHA) is making it easier to find out what’s in your drinking water. Four out of five households in the upper Raritan River watershed in Hunterdon, Somerset and Morris counties get drinking water from a private well on their property, according to RHA, and the only way for well owners to know if their water is safe and healthy is by testing it.
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