Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 4/25/2022 – InsiderNJ

Morris County Democratic Chairman Chip Robinson announced his impending resignation, with a mix of factors leading to his decision. The chairman had presided over several strong years for Democrats in the county, including the election of CD11 Rep. Sherrill, the increase of Democratic voters in the county, and successful wins at local levels, though had also been embroiled in several controversies, including a local fight with Dover Alderman Correa, and facing criticism over 2021 commissioner candidate AJ Oliver following the surfacing of his pro-life views. In his statement, Robinson, who called for a female successor, said that the executive board would also be resigning – but there’s been pushback, notably from Vice Chair Robin Gurin, who wrote in an open letter that she won’t resign, and that is was ‘presumptuous and disrespectful‘ and ‘flat out wrong’. A party meeting to select a new chair will be held, with Mendham committeewoman Amalia Duarte’s name already being mentioned as a possibility. Governor Murphy praised Robinson as a ‘tremendous leader’ and a ‘partner in all the success we’ve had’. Sherrill praised Robinson’s ‘keen understanding of the possibilities’ and the ‘important progress’ made during the last few years.

Passaic County GOP Sheriff candidate Troy Oswald was ruled ineligible to run for the office, failing to meet the 3-year residency requirement, according to NorthJersey.com.

In CD8, Peace Action endorsed Democratic primary candidate Ocampo Grajales, according to Hudson County View.

ICYMI: Morris GOP welcomed Oliver following party switch; in CD7, 2nd Amendment Society endorsed Peterson; Kean swiped at Malinowski; Pinkin held primary ballot drawing following court order over cancellation; ‘Democrats For Life’ fired off letter to DNC Chair protesting treatment of Oliver’s pro-life stance; Insider NJ’s Who’s Up And Who’s Down; Norcross says ‘new direction’ needed for SJ Dems; Jones galvanized North Jersey Dems; dynamics of Kean v. Malinowski; in CD8, HCDO challenged petitions of Varela, who withdrew

In Paterson, mayoral candidate former Councilman Goow held a fundraiser on Thursday evening, with endorsements given to him from former Ward 2 Councilman Akhtaruzzaman and former Ward 1 Councilman Davis. A judge ruled that Councilman Mendez can run for mayor, according to Paterson Times.

In Asbury Park, a fight has resulted in claims of racism against a police officer, according to the Asbury Park Press.

In Bayonne, Council Presidnet Ashe Nadrowski’s measures to start over on the MOTBY plan got no backing from her colleagues, according to Hudson County View.

In Bedminster, the committee discussed broadband wiring in Pottersville, according to NJ Hills.

In Boonton, the state awarded $73k for the construction of a public outdoor seating plaza, according to NJ Hills.

In Caldwell, the council approved concept plans for a new Borough Hall and Community Center, according to NJ Hills.

In Chatham, listening sessions with councilmembers are offered on the Post Office Plaza redevelopment, according to NJ Hills.

In Clark, police voted ‘no confidence’ in the mayor after the racist recordings leak, according to NJ.com.

In Cliffside Park, 22-year old Kleidon Ndreu won a BOE seat, according to the Bergen Record.

In Eatontown, the Democratic primary will be contested after a judge’s ruling, according to the Asbury Park Press.

In Englewood Cliffs, a state lawsuit alleges the town breached the affordable housing deal, according to the Bergen Record.

In Florham Park, the budget was approved, according to TAPinto.

In Hillsborough, the GOP selected John Ciccarelli to run for committee, according to TAPinto.

In Hoboken, the Cannabis Review Board voted down two dispensary applications and approved one, according to Hudson County View.

In Howell, a judge ruled that GOP-backed primary candidates can remain on the ballot, according to the Asbury Park Press.

In Lawnside, the Historical Society received a grant for free summer camp, according to the Courier Post.

In Mount Laurel, the township and volunteers are making an effort to save PAWS Farm, according to Burlington County Times.

In Phillipsburg, a multi-vehicle crash cut power to hundreds, according to Lehigh Valley Live.

In Prospect Park, Zach Tahhan was given the ‘key to the city’, according to TAPinto.

In Randolph, the council approved the budget, according to TAPinto. Poff is the new town manager, according to NJ Hills.

In Summit, objections were raised against a subdivision project, according to TAPinto.

In Union City, a cop filed a lawsuit alleging the chief made ‘bogus disciplinary accusations’ to prevent a promotion, according to Hudson County View.

In West Caldwell, the council will introduce the budget next week, according to TAPinto.

In Wildwood, boardwalk repairs seem to be on track for completion by Memorial Day, according to the Press of Atlantic City.

ICYMI: In Belleville, Ciattarelli endorsed Melham; in Paterson, CWA endorsed Sayegh, Murphy doubled down on support for Sayegh; in Bayonne, 32BJ endorsed Ashe Nadrowski, Kopacz endorsed Team Davis; in Dover, McCourt slammed Correa following commissioner challenger slate removal from ballot; in Eatontown, Story won a lawsuit to be on ballot; in Bloomfield, Strumolo passed away; in Paterson, the heated mayoral race continues, as endorsements come in for Sayegh (Murphy) and Mendez (Torres); in Newark, the South Ward candidates clashed in forum, South Ward candidate Cherry hopes to use her own story of financial freedom to help others, Rice endorsed Kelly, all eyes on Kelly’s first submitted ELEC report, Adams fundraised for Baraka, Essex Building Trades made endorsements, Montague has uphill climb in her quest to take on City Hall; in Mendham, the culture wars descended; in Bayonne, Nadrowski fired another salvo at Davis; in Newark, the Firefighters issued endorsements, West Ward council candidates Kelly and Onyema tangled over mayor’s affections, James and Kelly continued to clash following forum