Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 11/26/2019 – InsiderNJ
Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for 11/26/2019:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “What’s interesting is that New Jersey’s top two problems are really deeply rooted political problems. That means our big problems can only be resolved through a sustained and resolute political process.” – FDU’s Peter Woolley on a poll that finds 44% of New Jerseyans plan to leave the state in the future, citing property taxes and cost of living as the biggest factors
TOP STORY: CD2 Flashpoint: Harrison Mulls a Challenge to Van Drew
In CD2, Professor Brigid Harrison is mulling a primary challenge to Democratic Rep. Van Drew. Former Rep. Patrick Kennedy, a Brigantine resident, says he won’t run against Van Drew – but issued a warning to the freshman Democrat.
In CD2, GOP primary candidate Brian Fitzherbert announced endorsements from Gloucester County. Former GOP gubernatorial primary candidate Joe Rullo strongly hinted at a congressional bid, according to Shore News Network.
In CD5, Rep. Gottheimer was endorsed by the NJ Sierra Club.
In CD5, GOP primary candidate Mike Ghassali was endorsed by the NY Young Republican Club.
In CD9, Rep. John Lewis is coming to NJ to fundraise for Rep. Pascrell.
In CD11, attorney and GOP Committeeman Larry Casha formally announced his candidacy for the CD11 GOP nomination to take on freshman Democratic Rep. Sherrill; last week, Casha announced his plans to run, as Montville’s Jerry Langer considers a bid for the nomination.
A judge says Senator Bucco’s defamation suit can move forward, according the Daily Record.
The Democratic chair battle:
ICYMI: ICYMI: Mastrangelo took loss in court; Somerset Dems create transition committee; in LD25, former Frelinghuysen staffer Dunn prevailed as six candidates jockeyed for Bucco vacancy; Essex’s Johnson expected not to seek re-election; in CD3, Gibbs announced campaign; DeFilippis stepping aside
LD25 Assemblywoman Aura Dunn was sworn-in to office yesterday by Speaker Coughlin; noting that there are more female legislators than at any point, Dunn called it an ‘historic occasion’. Senator Bucco said he looks forward to serving with Dunn.
LD1 Senator-elect Testa will be sworn-in on December 5th.
State police removed activists from the Capital entrancement yesterday.
Governor Murphy dismissed Senate President Sweeney’s plan to provide cap relief to school districts faced with adjustment aid cuts, according to Politico NJ. Senate Minority Leader Kean said he disagrees with the plan, instead touting the Senate GOP’s ‘Every Child Counts’ proposal.
The Assembly passed Majority Leader Greenwald’s $9.5M supplemental appropriation to the NJDOH.
Speaker Coughlin was named Legislator of the Year by the NJSPBA.
Assemblywoman Quijano announced a Judiciary Committee hearing date for drivers’ license legislation on December 9th. Activists applauded the scheduling of a hearing.
Assemblyman McKeon introduced legislation to move Horizon towards a not-for-profit mutual holding structure; Senate President Sweeney expressed support for the bill.
The Assembly passed legislation to restore voting rights to people on parole and probation.
Assemblywoman McKnight’s non-profit, AngelaCARES, will host its 9th annual Thanksgiving event for seniors.
Senator Pennacchio urged Governor Murphy to sign legislation to provide funding for Greenwood Lake.
Senator Pennacchio applauded the amendments to the independent contractor bill, while Senator Bucco expressed concern with continued flaws.
Garden State Equality applauded the Assembly passage of legislation that would ban gay+trans ‘panic’ defenses.
Jersey Renews hosted a day of action at the Statehouse in support of electric vehicles.
ICYMI: Corrado lambasted Codey’s claim, Weinberg says he has ‘small and limited prism‘; Gopal says Altman removal warrants investigation
In Sayreville, mayoral candidate Art Rittenhouse filed a petition requesting a recount the mayoral race.
In Newark, North Ward GOP Chairman Michael Carson passed away; read former Senator O’Toole’s tribute to him.
In Paterson, Ward 2 Councilman Khalique believes a sewer issues-related flyer is part of an election ploy by former Councilman Akhtaruzzaman, according to TAPinto. A judge ordered a recount in the BOE election, according to Paterson Times; BOE candidate Martinez withdrew her recount request.
In Jersey City, the Schools Ethics Commission voted to censure BOE VP Richardson, according to Hudson County View.
In Kenilworth, the GOP was granted a recount in the mayoral race, according to TAPinto.
In Moorestown, the planning board and BOE are at odds over the referendum, according to Burlington County Times.
In Moorestown, Senator Singleton distributed nearly 800 winter coats to Burlington County children.
In West New York, a pharmacy owner admitted his role in a multi-million dollar healthcare fraud scheme.
In Buena, the BOE paid $185k to settle a secretary’s hostile work environment claim, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
ICYMI: In Paterson, Akhter organized turkey drive; in Boonton, Cabana will take job as administrator; in Jersey City, surviving mayors gathered; in Hamilton, Martin announced transition committee co-chairs
AROUND THE WEB:
NJ Transit head: Not so fast on move to electrify bus fleet
Brenda Flanagan, NJTV
- NJ Transit is taking a go-slow approach toward electrifying its fleet of 2,500 buses, in part due to reliability concerns that have arisen elsewhere battery-powered vehicles have been deployed, the agency’s chief executive said Monday at transportation infrastructure symposium in Newark.
Write-in winners official for Manchester Regional, Wayne school board elections
Philip DeVencentis, NorthJersey.com
- Vacancies on the Manchester Regional and Wayne school boards have been filled by candidates who, in separate elections, received the highest total of write-in votes. Only one candidate filed paperwork to run for two empty seats to represent North Haledon on the Manchester Regional Board of Education. Emilio Barca notched 117 write-in votes out of 168 that were cast. He is chief technology officer for the Edison K-12 district.
Newark Ordinance Allows Nonprofits to Lease City-Owned Land
TAPinto Newark Staff
- Nonprofit organizations can now lease city-owned property in Newark to use for arts, culture and educational programs, according to a recent municipal ordinance. Rent will come at a token of $1 per year and tenants will have an opportunity to purchase the land.
Financial firm with ties to NJ Democrats seeks contract to advise Paterson
Joe Malinconico, Paterson Press
- Mayor Andre Sayegh’s administration is looking to change the city’s financial advisers, possibly replacing a firm that has worked for Paterson for decades with a company that has made numerous political contributions to New Jersey Democrats.
Rutgers football: Piscataway mayor urging school to get back in the game with Greg Schiano
NorthJersey.com Digital Desk
- The town in which Rutgers plays its home football games is now weighing in on the coaching search. And its mayor isn’t happy that Greg Schiano is no longer a candidate. “As the Mayor of Piscataway Township, the host of Rutgers Football, I am greatly disappointed at the lack of success Rutgers Football has had since entering the Big Ten,” Mayor Brian C. Wahler said in a release Monday.
George Norcross, Tax Breaks and a Wild Moment in Trenton
WNYC News
- It was a busy week on the George Norcross beat. The Democratic Party boss testified Monday before a New Jersey State Senate committee that is evaluating the state’s controversial tax break program. It didn’t go as planned when State Troopers forcibly dragged Sue Altman of NJ Working Families out of the room.
During Statehouse repairs, Phil and Tammy Murphy make governor’s mansion NJ’s nerve center
Dustin Racioppi, Trenton Bureau
- A $5,000 donation, now payable with the click of a button, gets a meeting with first lady Tammy Murphy and a plaque at the governor’s mansion in Princeton. The board that runs the foundation for the mansion known as Drumthwacket has nearly doubled in size and includes the actress Whoopi Goldberg and a lineup of political donors and lobbyists.
‘I thought you were high’: Cory Booker, Joe Biden and complications of race, legal weed
Mike Davis, Asbury Park Press
- It was the biggest laugh of the night. U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., offered a few words of respect toward former Vice President Joe Biden, standing at another podium on the debate stage just a few feet away. A few days earlier, Biden said that there was “not nearly enough evidence as to whether or not marijuana is a gateway drug.”
Murphy Calls for ‘Stronger, Fairer New Jersey’ alongside Cornel West at Town Hall
M.E. Cagnassola, TAPinto Newark
- Gov. Phil Murphy made a stop in the Central Ward on Saturday to deliver remarks at the Golden Dome Athletic Center, where the grassroots organization People’s Organization for Progress hosted Cornel West for a Town Hall on social, racial and economic justice.
Tom Bergeron, roi-nj.com
- All the compliments regarding Ralph Izzo’s acumen and intellect prove true when the head of Public Service Enterprise Group needs to explain things in simple terms. Such as the company’s reorganization last week, which saw Ralph LaRossa elevated to chief operating officer of PSEG and new titles and responsibilities for Dave Daly and Kim Hanemann. Izzo, PSEG’s chairman, CEO and president, said the moves were not made to show the company is transitioning toward a clean energy future — a longtime goal of Izzo’s — but to make sure the company is in position to implement the moves it is making toward that goal.
NJ Transit Tries to Wring New Revenue from its Large Bank of Real Estate
John Reitmeyer, NJ Spotlight
- New Jersey Transit relies more heavily on fares paid by riders to balance its budget than other mass-transit agencies, but over the past year the agency has been trying to increase revenue from its many real-estate holdings. The new focus on real estate comes after NJ Transit’s auditors last year highlighted the heavy reliance on rider fares, and after Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill that required the agency to, among other changes, create a new division focused on real-estate development deals.
Gov. Murphy says ‘public safety in New Jersey takes precedence’ during speech in A.C.
CJ Fairfield, Press of Atlantic City
- Gov. Phil Murphy spoke Sunday at the 2019 County Prosecutors Association of New Jersey’s annual college opening session and hit on topics such as immigration reform and community safety. The opening session was held in the Music Box at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa and was attended by hundreds of officials in law enforcement from police to prosecutors.
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