Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 5/13/2022 – InsiderNJ
Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Congressional party preference hasn’t moved a lot this year, but the issue picture may be coming into focus with the economy and abortion as the top considerations right now. The importance of abortion coincides with the Supreme Court leak, which means it is hard to tell whether we are seeing a temporary blip or something that will have a major impact in November” – Monmouth University polling director Patrick Murray
TOP STORY: Onyema Ready for an Old West Showdown with Kelly
The statewide cumulative COVID-19 count stands at 1,984,015 cases and 30,477 confirmed fatalities (and 322,559 probable cases and 3,052 probable fatalities) as of Thursday (an increase of 4,551 confirmed cases, 1,850 probable cases, 12 lab-confirmed fatalities, and 6 hospital-reported fatalities from the previous day). The viral transmission rate is 1.22. There are 727 total hospitalizations, with 41 in intensive care units, and 135 discharges in the past day. There are 6,886,905 people fully vaccinated.
Governor Murphy highlighted his ANCHOR property tax relief initiative.
Former Governor McGreevey’s father, James McGreevey, passed away. A A Marine Corp. veteran, Governor Murphy lauded McGreevey as an ‘example’ who ‘so perfectly represented the selflessness of all who wear our nation’s uniforms’. The LD19 legislators mourned his passing.
A Monmouth University poll finds voters are split on which party they prefer in the midterms, with the economy and abortion the top electoral concerns.
NJ employers are struggling to regulate legal weed in the workplace, according to the Bergen Record.
Environmental groups filed official protests against the $4.7B Turnpike extension widening, according to NJ.com.
Around 70 gas stations will cut prices today to rally support for the self-serve option, according to NJ.com.
Sussex County hired a temporary administrator, according to NJ Herald. The county approved a resolution opposing the state’s new sex ed standards, according to NJ Herald.
Senator Menendez announced he will vote against Federal Reserve Chairman Powell for a second term.
ICYMI: With Roe likely overturning, Murphy announced several proposals to expand abortion access; officials led a rally opposing Roe overturn; Insider NJ’s Who’s Up And Who’s Down; Murphy, Hochul nominated Kris Kolluri as GDC CEO; Murphy says Roe overturn would be ‘enraging‘; advocates took to the streets across the state protesting Roe overturn
Be Ready, the first PAC dedicated to electing black woman, launched yesterday.
A DWI charge against Senator Cunningham was dismissed, according to the Jersey Journal.
In CD4, Rep. Smith, the state’s most veteran congressional incumbent, is facing a dual challenge from the right, according to NJ Spotlight.
In CD10, Rep. Payne was endorsed by IL Rep. Chuy Garcia.
‘America First’ GOP primary candidates Lamb and Fossa challenged Ocean County Commissioners Haines and Kelly to a debate.
ICYMI: Jones made the rounds; CD11 GOP debated; pursuing re-election, Ali jeered ascension of Duarte as Dem chair; Bergen GOP intra-party political flare-up; Morris GOP threatening to sue Rizzo; Roe v. Wade a sleeping giant heading into midterms; in CD5, Schneiderman dropped out; Baraka teases guv run; county parties flush w/ cash; Mastrangelo gets assist from Giants
Lawmakers questioned the top CRC official about cannabis prices nd regulations, according to Politico NJ.
Senate Majority Leader Ruiz lauded EDA investments in child care facilities improvement.
Senator Gill introduced legislation to protect the state from out-of-state abortion restrictions.
The NJCBA delivered testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee on adult-use marijuana sales.
ICYMI: Murphy took action on legislation; Murphy to nominate Schuster as DOC Ombudsman; Schepisi expressed concern about Roe; Platkin announced leadership team; SJ legislators seek clarification from Platkin on cop weed use; Senate GOP expressed concern over cop weed use debate
In Morris Township, GOP Committeeman Mancuso faces a primary challenge in June, as Republicans hope to keep their lone seat on the township committee.
In Newark, West Ward challenger Onyema is ready for the runoff election against Dupre Kelly in June, saying he will maintain his core campaign message. Mayor Baraka announced projects to be built under his Affordable Newark housing initiative.
In Irvington, Mayor Vauss touted his 81% margin of victory.
In Trenton, Mayor Gusciora sent a letter to Council President McBride requesting the resumption of budget hearings.
In Buena, Boro Hall is set to reopen after flooding, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In East Hanover, wild cat policies were again questioned, according to NJ Hills.
In East Orange, Mayor Green delivered the State of the City address, according to TAPinto.
In Hasbrouck Heights, the budget was adopted, according to TAPinto.
In Long Branch, Mayor Pallone and the council incumbents won re-election on Tuesday, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Long Hill, busing interruptions continue at the schools, according to NJ Hills.
In New Providence, the council approved a mental health committee, according to TAPinto.
In North Haledon, Mayor George isn’t giving in and won’t take the ‘hope’ star down from High Mountain, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Ocean Gate, Mayor Kennedy will be removed from office amid corruption allegations, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Old Tappan, residents are racing to save wetlands and a 271-year old home, according to the Bergen Record.
In Ortley Beach, the beaches are set for replenishment, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Paterson, the BOE approved a $801M budget, according to Paterson Press.
In Princeton, the May 17th cannabis meeting is looming, according to TAPinto.
In Ramsey, the schools superintendent is stepping down, according to the Bergen Record.
ICYMI: In Newark, Bankston welcomes showdown in runoff election; West Ward runoff, East Ward runoff, Baraka cruised to re-election in anti-climactic race, Team Baraka blanketed city in celebration, Baraka forces converged in the West; in Paterson, Sayegh secured re-election, saying ‘you cannot keep a good city down‘, Mimms, Davila secured re-election, candidates made high-visibility efforts as Mendez exuded confidence, rival operatives confronted Sayegh, as he fought for re-election, Wimberly made endorsements for council; in Bayonne, Davis secured re-election, proving staying power, and celebrated his win, Davis and Ashe-Nadrowski bumped into each other on Election Day; in Belleville, Melham cruised to re-election; in Irvington, Mayor Vauss secured re-election; candidates pounded pavement in final days; in Newark, McCallum endorsed Kelly, East Ward battle intensifying; in Paterson, Rodriguez endorsed Mendez; in Newark, likely tiny fraction will turn out for election; in West Morris, intensifying curriculum debate
AROUND THE WEB:
GOP senator blocks bill named for slain son of N.J. jurist that aims to protect federal judges
Jonathan D. Salant, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- Just days after the U.S. Senate sped through legislation to boost protection for U.S. Supreme Court justices, a Republican U.S. senator on Thursday blocked U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez’s effort to increase security for the rest of the federal judiciary.
And Now For Round Two: How Runoffs Work in Newark Municipal Elections
Mark J. Bonamo and Tom Wiedman, TAPinto Newark
- The results of Tuesday’s citywide nonpartisan municipal elections are a reminder that under certain conditions, Newark voters get to speak not once, but twice. Voters, get ready for the runoff election season. The campaigning won’t last long since Runoff Election Day is June 14.
Overflow Zoom crowd cancels Palmer hearing in Bernardsville
Charlie Zavalick, NJ Hills
- What was expected to be a lengthy Planning Board hearing on the Palmer properties redevelopment concept was cut short Thursday night when too many people tried to join the virtual session.
Delays, price & more: Lawmakers hammer NJ marijuana regulators
Michael Symons, NJ1015
- At a hearing initially announced when the launch of the since-opened recreational marijuana industry had been stalled, lawmakers found plenty of other ways to critique the state’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission at a marathon meeting Thursday.
Jersey City Council names asst. BA head of new dept., Katyn supporters protest new plan
Daniel Ulloa, Hudson County View
- The Jersey City Council named Assistant Business Administrator Barkha Patel as the head of a new department, while members of the public criticized a design they feel would obscure the base of the Katyn Memorial at Exchange Place.
Anti-abortion advocate decries Murphy’s push to strengthen abortion rights
Briana Vannozzi, NJ Spotlight
- With the leaked draft U.S. Supreme Court decision indicating the court is poised to strike down Roe v. Wade, some legal experts are anticipating tighter restrictions on birth control and other reproductive care.
Bungalow Park residents skeptical of Ørsted wind farm maintenance hub
Michelle Brunetti Post, Press of Atlantic City
- Ørsted North America representatives tried to reassure residents that a proposed operations and maintenance facility will not drastically change the quiet, residential character of Bungalow Park at a meeting Thursday night at City Hall.
Gas prices rise to new high ahead of Memorial Day. Here’s why it’s happening
Daniel Munoz, NorthJersey.com
- Ukraine. Sanctions. The coronavirus. Memorial Day travel. Whatever the reasons, gas prices are ticking up to record highs in New Jersey and across the nation. But there are ways to save in the weeks ahead and get the most out of your summer travel budget, say financial experts and travel industry officials.
Move over, Iowa! N.J. and these other states want early presidential primaries
Jonathan D. Salant, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- New Jersey has plenty of competition in its quest to host one of the early 2024 presidential primaries. While Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina want to keep their spots at the head of the line, New Jersey joined 13 other states in trying to cut in.
Mimms, Davila, Uddin win Paterson at-large council seats
Jayed Rahman, Paterson Times
- Incumbent councilwomen Lilisa Mimms and Maritza Davila successfully won re-election in Tuesday’s municipal elections. Challenger Forid Uddin, who ran for public office for the first time, also captured an at-large council seat.
Our View: Speck of justice for West Wildwood taxpayers reduced further
Bill Barlow, Press of Atlantic City
- The tiny borough of West Wildwood is out about $2 million from events that resulted in former mayor Christopher Fox’s conviction on state ethics violations. Given that extraordinary needless burden on the borough, the state Local Finance Board’s $24,500 fine of Fox for those violations was a pittance.
Sayegh promises much the same after easily winning re-election in Paterson for 2nd term
Jayed Rahman, Paterson Times
- Mayor Andre Sayegh, who easily won re-election in a five-person mayoral race on Tuesday night, promised much the same for the next four years. “Today was a victory for integrity. Today was a victory for credibility. Today was a victory for the city of Paterson,” said Sayegh in a brief speech at the Brownstone House.
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