Author: ECCYC

A crowd that included local elected leaders gathered in South Orange’s Spiotta Park on January 6, 2022, to mark one year since the insurrection at the Capitol in Washington, D.C.

“It was my honor to join Working Families and the 30 affiliated organizations this evening in South Orange to Stand Up For Democracy in remembrance of the January 6th insurrection of the Capitol,’” wrote New Jersey Assemblywoman Mila Jasey (D-27) on Facebook.

South Orange Village President Sheena Collum also posted photos from the event to Facebook, writing, “January 6 Mobilization for Democracy! Protect Democracy, Protect Voting Rights and Don’t Forget to Protect Yourself & Each Other (Vax, Boost, Mask).”

In a press release sent on behalf of the organizing groups, including New Jersey Working Families, numerous officials were quoted:

“A year after an attempted insurrection to overthrow our government, our democracy is under threat like never before,” said Sue Altman, New Jersey Working Families State Director. “In the face of growing threats, from voter suppression to partisan gerrymandering, we need real leadership from Washington and a commitment to strengthen our democratic institutions. Congress must pass meaningful voting rights protections that ensure that working families, and not the politically connected, control the future of our nation.”

New Jersey Working Families was one of nearly 35 organizations that sponsored the rally.

“Our democracy and right to vote is under assault nationwide,” said U.S. Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr.  “Too many states have used lies and false allegations to limit the voting power of Americans, particular African Americans and other minorities.  Voting rights is one of the top priorities in Congress right now.  I helped pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the For The People Act to strengthen our democracy, protect the right to vote for every American, and eliminate partisan manipulation of Congressional districts to decrease minority representation. We need to restore faith and trust in our democracy.  The right to vote must be protected because it is the most sacred and fundamental right we enjoy as Americans.”

“Jan. 6 was not just an attack on our Capitol, but an attack on the heart of our democracy, our electoral process,” said U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill. “It was an attack on all of us as Americans. It’s essential that regardless of party, we come together to safeguard our freedoms and our values for our children and future generations. We must assure they have the same opportunities to assemble, to practice the religion of their choice, and ensure that they enjoy the freedom of speech. We must also safeguard the important guarantee that protects those freedoms: the right to vote.”

“The end of Donald Trump’s administration has not meant the end of Trumpism, and threats to our democratic institutions continue to grow,” said Fran Ehret, Communications Workers of America New Jersey State Director. “We must fight back in the face of efforts to weaken our elections and disenfranchise voters and demand action from Congress to protect our most essential rights.”

“One year ago today, we all watched in horror as our nation’s capital was breached for the first time in over two centuries,” said Sean Spiller, President of the New Jersey Education Association. “That insurrection was nothing less than an attack on our core democratic values.  But that attack did not begin or end on January 6, 2021.  In fact, it is still going strong.”

“A year after our democracy was attacked by a violent mob, the storm clouds of creeping authoritarianism are still threatening,” said Kevin Brown, SEIU Local 32BJ New Jersey State Director. “Our elected officials, especially at the federal level, must act quickly and decisively to protect our democracy and safeguard our fundamental right to vote in the face of this growing menace.”

“Fighting for our democracy must transcend the traditional political divides of Democrats and Republicans,” said former Republican Assemblywoman Maria Rodriguez-Gregg. “Though we disagree on policy, we are united in our love for our country and our commitment to protecting our values and institutions. The ongoing attack on our democracy is unprecedented in our nation’s history, and we must all unite to confront this existential threat.”

“Make no mistake: extremist anti-democratic, white supremacist forces are at play here in ‘blue’ New Jersey,” said Arati Kreibich, former Glen Rock Councilmember. “At least 26 people from New Jersey have been identified and charged for the Capitol insurrection. One member of New Jersey’s Congressional delegation refused to certify the free and fair Presidential election. A year later, there have been few consequences. Without real accountability, AND sustained action to strengthen our rights, we the people are granting permission for the same factions to dismantle our democracy –and this time, succeed.”

“Voting rights are reproductive rights. As long as people are denied access to the ballot, neither democracy, justice, nor reproductive freedom can be achieved, particularly for people of color for whom access to sexual and reproductive health care is increasingly being pushed out of reach,” said Roslyn Rogers Collins of Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey. “The attacks on our democracy present a grave threat to our health, our rights, and our nation. We must act now — our democracy depends on it.”

“The attack on the U.S. Capitol one year ago by a mob of Trump supporters was a disgrace and an affront to all of us as American citizens.  Even during our worst times, we’ve always had a peaceful transfer of power. The right to vote and choose our elected leaders in free and fair elections is the most sacred and fundamental right a citizen of any country can have,” said Ed Potosnak, Executive Director, New Jersey LCV. “We implore the Biden administration and Congress to pass pending voting rights legislation to ensure no citizen faces barriers to voting because of their race, gender, age, or where they live. We also ask the New Jersey Legislature to expand voter access by approving same day voter registration. Strengthening our democracy, by expanding access to voting, is an urgent issue and must be addressed now to move our great nation and state forward.”

“If the events of Jan. 6 had happened in another country, we in America would call it an attempted coup,” said Deborah Smith Gregory, President of the Newark Branch of the NAACP. “It was a watershed moment for the world to see, just as the hoses and dogs used on Black Americans in the 60’s.  Witnessing overt racism on television galvanized people of all ages and races to unite to change a racist system.  On January 6, 2021, we witnessed an attempted coup in America. We must unite and galvanize people of all races and ages to defend our democracy (imperfect as it may be) against fascism.” 

“We need to cement Jan. 6 in our collective consciousness and continue to call for accountability of the insurrectionists, or at some point democracy WILL be lost to those who propagate lies for their own political gain — whether it be lost to a tyrant or dictator or fascist or a religious cult leader, democracy will be lost,” said Cathy Brienza of Ridgewood JOLT. “At this moment Individuals who continue to believe the Great Lie are being installed by state governments in electoral positions with the stated intention of deciding whether or not to accept election results. This along with Voter suppression laws and the perpetuation of the great lie are being used to establish minority rule. When that happens Democracy is lost.”

“The right to choose our own leaders with free and fair elections is one of our most important and fundamental rights,’ said Dena Mottola Jaborska, Executive Director of New Jersey Citizen Action. “That right is under threat, from both violent insurrection and continued attacks on our voting rights. We need all Americans, regardless of party affiliation, race and background to stand together to defend our democracy, and call on our elected leaders to pass legislation protecting our country against anti-democratic forces.”

“Our system of democracy is under attack,” said Leslie Bockol and Mara Novak, Co-Executive Directors of NJ 11^th for Change. “On January 6, 2021, it was under physical attack, as violent insurrectionists (emboldened by Donald Trump, and aided by allies within our government) rampaged through the Capitol. In the months that followed, democracy was under attack in statehouses across the nation, through gerrymandering, voter suppression, and legislation intended to disenfranchise millions of voters. If our nation is to survive as a democracy, the people of America cannot stay silent. NJ 11th for Change urges our fellow New Jerseyans to write, phone, and publicly call upon our legislators to fight for democracy, using every legal tool at their disposal. It is well past time to pass federal voting-rights legislation, and to bring those responsible for the Jan. 6 insurrection to justice.”

“So many families are finding it hard to make ends meet,” said Helen Archontou, CEO of the YWCA of Northern New Jersey. “That’s why federal policies are needed to provide a foundation of economic security to help families create a stable environment. We all need to work together to ensure that our political system prioritizes the needs and wellbeing of working families.”

“A year ago, the most powerful person in the world attempted to stop the peaceful transfer of power in our country,” said labor leader Hetty Rosenstein. “Those of us who believe in the promise of America must live and breathe this struggle if we are to save our country. If you are a patriot, you must fight for democracy today and every day.”

“This rally shows those who wish to cheat, lie, and disregard the will of the people that we aren’t going to stand idly by,” said Matt Dragon, Co-Chair Our Revolution Essex, Member Our Revolution New Jersey. “When we defend folks’ right to vote, and ensure that their votes will be counted, we stand on the shoulders of giants – Sojourner Truth, John Lewis, and those murdered in the Freedom Summer. We cannot let them down, we cannot go backward. We hope this rally motivates people to be more vocal, to engage the voters in their everyday lives, and to commit to getting out there in every election. We need your help, whether it be knocking doors, making calls, texting, and supporting rallies for voting rights, racial justice, women’s rights, and civil rights. It’s these causes that unite us as a majority of the country. Let’s empower our communities and continue to move our country forward.”

“One year after the Capitol insurrection, our democracy continues to be under threat,” said Sarah Fajardo, American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey Policy Director. “Across the country, unconstitutional redistricting plans dilute the democratic process, discriminatory election practices intend to diminish the power of Black and brown voters, and the people of Washington, D.C. still don’t have a voice in our democracy. In New Jersey, there’s much work to be done to build transparent, accountable, and fair governmental processes and establish voting practices that ensure access no matter one’s zip code. We must ensure that our government is truly by the people and for the people.”

New Jersey is the only state in the country that is operating under a type of dictatorship right now. And I’m not being dramatic.

The way Gov. Murphy and the Legislature have set up Murphy’s “emergency powers,” they will vote to extend it for as long as they like. And that basically means, without your say, without voting and without the democratic process, the governor’s word unilaterally decides what is best for us.

This is a mockery of the system and should have never happened in the first place. What we’ve seen so far has always been a scary and dangerous precedent, but now it is doing exactly what it was designed to do: Keep the governor in the unique position of ruler.

It’s a moot point to put the extension of this power up for a vote because the party that supports it has the majority and will simply vote to keep extending.

But even if you thought that this kind of unrelenting power was the right thing to do at the beginning of all of this pandemic panic — and I can’t imagine who would — you have to admit that any need for the governor to continue making decisions for us has long past.

This is not the onset of a scary new virus that we have no idea how to deal with. This may be an important issue but in my opinion, it’s no longer an emergency.

And before you say that I am a conspiracy theorist who thinks the pandemic is fake, please read the words of Assemblyman Jay Webber, R-Morris, who admits that although the issues surrounding the pandemic are important, we are no longer in crisis mode. And he is right.

The people in the state of New Jersey are sick and tired of having one person be able to control whether they can open their stores or not, or whether they have to wear a mask somewhere or not, or whether their children have to wear masks in school, whether their children might have to be vaccinated or not, whether they can go to a park, whether they can sit for graduation

I couldn’t agree more.

It’s time to remove these nonsense emergency powers from Gov. Murphy and go back to government by the people and for the people.

Opinions expressed in the post above are those of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Judi Franco only.

You can now listen to Dennis & Judi — On Demand! Hear New Jersey’s favorite best friends anytime, anywhere and any day of the week. Download the Dennis & Judi show wherever you get podcasts, on our free app, or listen right now:

 Elected officials, advocates call for voting rights and democracy reforms in Insurrection commemoration 

SOUTH ORANGE — Advocates, elected officials and faith leaders from across New Jersey gathered last night to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the Jan. 6 attempted insurrection by calling on Congress to pass urgently needed reforms that protect our democracy from the threat of encroaching authoritarianism and voter suppression.

The candle-light vigil came as Republican state legislatures and extremist candidates continue to perpetrate the “Big Lie” that the previous presidential election was stolen as an excuse to pass a raft of laws curtailing access to the ballot box and laying the groundwork to disregard the results of future elections.

“A year after an attempted insurrection to overthrow our government, our democracy is under threat like never before,” said Sue Altman, New Jersey Working Families State Director. “In the face of growing threats, from voter suppression to partisan gerrymandering, we need real leadership from Washington and a commitment to strengthen our democratic institutions. Congress must pass meaningful voting rights protections that ensure that working families, and not the politically connected, control the future of our nation.”

New Jersey Working Families was one of nearly 35 organizations that sponsored the rally, which sought to mark the unsuccessful insurrection effort with a call to action at the federal level as the U.S. Senate prepares to take up historic voting rights legislation.

 

“Our democracy and right to vote is under assault nationwide,” said Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr.  “Too many states have used lies and false allegations to limit the voting power of Americans, particular African Americans and other minorities.  Voting rights is one of the top priorities in Congress right now.  I helped pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the For The People Act to strengthen our democracy, protect the right to vote for every American, and eliminate partisan manipulation of Congressional districts to decrease minority representation.  We need to restore faith and trust in our democracy.  The right to vote must be protected because it is the most sacred and fundamental right we enjoy as Americans.”

Republican-dominated state legislatures from across the country have used former President Trump’s baseless claims of election fraud to enact sweeping new voter restrictions designed to prevent low-income families and people of color from voting. At the same time, legislatures have acted to politicize historically nonpartisan or bipartisan election officials to lay the groundwork to discard votes in future elections.

“Jan. 6 was not just an attack on our Capitol, but an attack on the heart of our democracy, our electoral process,” said U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill. “It was an attack on all of us as Americans. It’s essential that regardless of party, we come together to safeguard our freedoms and our values for our children and future generations. We must assure they have the same opportunities to assemble, to practice the religion of their choice, and ensure that they enjoy the freedom of speech. We must also safeguard the important guarantee that protects those freedoms: the right to vote.”

While the U.S. House of Representatives has passed sweeping voting rights legislation to address these concerns and revitalize the Voting Rights Act, which has been significantly weakened by the U.S. Supreme Court, a similar bill awaits consideration in the Senate, where it faces an uphill road because of united opposition from Republicans and concerns over altering the filibuster, which currently requires a super-majority of 60 votes to pass this kind legislation.

“The end of Donald Trump’s administration has not meant the end of Trumpism, and threats to our democratic institutions continue to grow,” said Fran Ehret, Communications Workers of America New Jersey State Director. “We must fight back in the face of efforts to weaken our elections and disenfranchise voters and demand action from Congress to protect our most essential rights.”

“One year ago today, we all watched in horror as our nation’s capital was breached for the first time in over two centuries,” said Sean Spiller, President of the New Jersey Education Association. “That insurrection was nothing less than an attack on our core democratic values.  But that attack did not begin or end on January 6, 2021.  In fact, it is still going strong.”

“A year after our democracy was attacked by a violent mob, the storm clouds of creeping authoritarianism are still threatening,” said Kevin Brown, SEIU Local 32BJ New Jersey State Director. “Our elected officials, especially at the federal level, must act quickly and decisively to protect our democracy and safeguard our fundamental right to vote in the face of this growing menace.”

“Fighting for our democracy must transcend the traditional political divides of Democrats and Republicans,” said former Republican Assemblywoman Maria Rodriguez-Gregg. “Though we disagree on policy, we are united in our love for our country and our commitment to protecting our values and institutions. The ongoing attack on our democracy is unprecedented in our nation’s history, and we must all unite to confront this existential threat.”

“Make no mistake: extremist anti-democratic, white supremacist forces are at play here in ‘blue’ New Jersey,” said Arati Kreibich, former Glen Rock Councilmember. “At least 26 people from New Jersey have been identified and charged for the Capitol insurrection. One member of New Jersey’s Congressional delegation refused to certify the free and fair Presidential election. A year later, there have been few consequences. Without real accountability, AND sustained action to strengthen our rights, we the people are granting permission for the same factions to dismantle our democracy –and this time, succeed.”

The growing fight over voting rights and our democratic process serves as a backdrop for advancing other issues, from reproductive freedoms to environmental protection, that are opposed by powerful, politically connected special interests.

“Voting rights are reproductive rights. As long as people are denied access to the ballot, neither democracy, justice, nor reproductive freedom can be achieved, particularly for people of color for whom access to sexual and reproductive health care is increasingly being pushed out of reach,” said Roslyn Rogers Collins of Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey. “The attacks on our democracy present a grave threat to our health, our rights, and our nation. We must act now — our democracy depends on it.”

“The attack on the U.S. Capitol one year ago by a mob of Trump supporters was a disgrace and an affront to all of us as American citizens.  Even during our worst times, we’ve always had a peaceful transfer of power. The right to vote and choose our elected leaders in free and fair elections is the most sacred and fundamental right a citizen of any country can have,” said Ed Potosnak, Executive Director, New Jersey LCV. “We implore the Biden administration and Congress to pass pending voting rights legislation to ensure no citizen faces barriers to voting because of their race, gender, age, or where they live. We also ask the New Jersey Legislature to expand voter access by approving same day voter registration. Strengthening our democracy, by expanding access to voting, is an urgent issue and must be addressed now to move our great nation and state forward.”

“If the events of Jan. 6 had happened in another country, we in America would call it an attempted coup,” said Deborah Smith Gregory, President of the Newark Branch of the NAACP. “It was a watershed moment for the world to see, just as the hoses and dogs used on Black Americans in the 60’s.  Witnessing overt racism on television galvanized people of all ages and races to unite to change a racist system.  On January 6, 2021, we witnessed an attempted coup in America. We must unite and galvanize people of all races and ages to defend our democracy (imperfect as it may be) against fascism.” 

“We need to cement Jan. 6 in our collective consciousness and continue to call for accountability of the insurrectionists, or at some point democracy WILL be lost to those who propagate lies for their own political gain — whether it be lost to a tyrant or dictator or fascist or a religious cult leader, democracy will be lost,” said Cathy Brienza of Ridgewood JOLT. “At this moment Individuals who continue to believe the Great Lie are being installed by state governments in electoral positions with the stated intention of deciding whether or not to accept election results. This along with Voter suppression laws and the perpetuation of the great lie are being used to establish minority rule. When that happens Democracy is lost.”

“The right to choose our own leaders with free and fair elections is one of our most important and fundamental rights,’ said Dena Mottola Jaborska, Executive Director of New Jersey Citizen Action. “That right is under threat, from both violent insurrection and continued attacks on our voting rights. We need all Americans, regardless of party affiliation, race and background to stand together to defend our democracy, and call on our elected leaders to pass legislation protecting our country against anti-democratic forces.”

“Our system of democracy is under attack,” said Leslie Bockol and Mara Novak, Co-Executive Directors of NJ 11^th for Change. “On January 6, 2021, it was under physical attack, as violent insurrectionists (emboldened by Donald Trump, and aided by allies within our government) rampaged through the Capitol. In the months that followed, democracy was under attack in statehouses across the nation, through gerrymandering, voter suppression, and legislation intended to disenfranchise millions of voters. If our nation is to survive as a democracy, the people of America cannot stay silent. NJ 11th for Change urges our fellow New Jerseyans to write, phone, and publicly call upon our legislators to fight for democracy, using every legal tool at their disposal. It is well past time to pass federal voting-rights legislation, and to bring those responsible for the Jan. 6 insurrection to justice.”

“So many families are finding it hard to make ends meet,” said Helen Archontou, CEO of the YWCA of Northern New Jersey. “That’s why federal policies are needed to provide a foundation of economic security to help families create a stable environment. We all need to work together to ensure that our political system prioritizes the needs and wellbeing of working families.”

“A year ago, the most powerful person in the world attempted to stop the peaceful transfer of power in our country,” said labor leader Hetty Rosenstein. “Those of us who believe in the promise of America must live and breathe this struggle if we are to save our country. If you are a patriot, you must fight for democracy today and every day.”

“This rally shows those who wish to cheat, lie, and disregard the will of the people that we aren’t going to stand idly by,” said Matt Dragon, Co-Chair Our Revolution Essex, Member Our Revolution New Jersey. “When we defend folks’ right to vote, and ensure that their votes will be counted, we stand on the shoulders of giants – Sojourner Truth, John Lewis, and those murdered in the Freedom Summer. We cannot let them down, we cannot go backward. We hope this rally motivates people to be more vocal, to engage the voters in their everyday lives, and to commit to getting out there in every election. We need your help, whether it be knocking doors, making calls, texting, and supporting rallies for voting rights, racial justice, women’s rights, and civil rights. It’s these causes that unite us as a majority of the country. Let’s empower our communities and continue to move our country forward.”

“One year after the Capitol insurrection, our democracy continues to be under threat,” said Sarah Fajardo, American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey Policy Director. “Across the country, unconstitutional redistricting plans dilute the democratic process, discriminatory election practices intend to diminish the power of Black and brown voters, and the people of Washington, D.C. still don’t have a voice in our democracy. In New Jersey, there’s much work to be done to build transparent, accountable, and fair governmental processes and establish voting practices that ensure access no matter one’s zip code. We must ensure that our government is truly by the people and for the people.”

(Visited 5 times, 5 visits today)

Good snowy Friday morning!

State Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, who’s been the most prominent “good government” reform champion in the Legislature, resigns today — a few days ahead of schedule. And there’s something a little ironic about her departure.

The purpose of this early departure is so that Senate President Steve Sweeney, who will be out the door on Tuesday, can appoint Weinberg to a paid position on the Horizon board — something there’s no guarantee Sweeney’s successor as Senate president, Nick Scutari, will do. Scutari at times had strained relationship with Weinberg.

Weinberg’s impending appointment has been an open secret in Trenton at least since last year, when Gov. Murphy signed a bill to overhaul Horizon that expanded the board, allowing the governor and legislative leaders to get more appointments. But nobody would confirm it, forcing me to only hint at it in Monday’s edition. I expect we’ll see other familiar faces appointed to the board later on.

So this is how the legislative career of the biggest champion for open government ends: An early resignation and quick appointment to a plum paid position. That’s not to say Weinberg, who was long the chair of the health committee, isn’t qualified.

“It’s furthering my ability to serve good government,” Weinberg told me yesterday. “ Since it’s a direct appointment of the Senate president and he has the confidence in me, the timing is the timing.”

Added Weinberg: “I think that I have a lot to add to the Horizon board and have heard from several of my good government advocate friends that they are very happy that I’m going to be there.”

WHERE’S MURPHY? In Branchburg for Somerset County’s 3 p.m. reorganizational meeting

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I’m going to do something I never thought I’d do. I’m going to congratulate Jay Lassiter.” — Senate President Steve Sweeney after an HIV spread decriminalization bill cleared committee

TWEET OF THE DAY: “At the very last minute, NJ Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee adds S4250 to today’s meeting agenda. This bill ‘changes PERS membership eligibility for certain elected public officials and provides for PERS reenrollment.’” —@johnreitmeyer (Read my story on the bill here, and I’ll have more on this later)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Saturday for progressive activist Bertin Lefkovic, Covenant House’s Kevin Ryan. Sunday for filmmaker Daniel Goodman.

TIPS? FEEDBACK? HATE MAIL? Email me at [email protected]

POWERING DOWN — Lawmakers advance resolution to extend some of Murphy’s emergency powers, by POLITICO’s Matt Friedman and Daniel Han: Two legislative committees on Thursday approved a resolution that would extend for 45 days some of the administrative orders, directives and waivers Gov. Phil Murphy issued in response to the pandemic. Murphy, citing the surge in coronavirus cases, had asked the Democrat-controlled Legislature to extend those powers for 90 days. The resolution was approved by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee and the Assembly Appropriations Committee. It now advances to the full Legislature on Monday, the final day of the legislative session. Earlier Thursday, before the committees voted, Senate President Steve Sweeney said he would not agree to renew all the emergency powers Murphy requested. “We’re not renewing everything he asked for,” Sweeney, who‘s leaving office next week, said in a brief Statehouse interview. “We’re moving some of the requested issues for hospitals to be able to function during the emergencies. A lot of these other issues, I have to look at them to tell you.”

—“Murphy’s extended pandemic powers will cover far more than masks”

UNEXCUSED ABSENCE — Education advocates demand Murphy administration create statewide school recovery plan, by POLITICO’s Carly Sitrin: New Jersey teachers, administrators, school nurses and lawmakers are once again demanding stronger leadership from Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration to combat the educational “crisis” facing the state because of the pandemic. Representatives from many of the state’s educational organizations met virtually Thursday to demand a statewide plan to address the pressing staffing shortages, unclear health guidance and widening achievement gaps between students. The frustration is growing among educators and lawmakers as schools across the state continue to close and switch to remote learning due to Covid outbreaks, despite the governor’s urging that buildings remain open. Senate Education Chair Teresa Ruiz (D-Essex), who convened Thursday’s legislative committee hearing, said the state Department of Education declined her invitation to attend. “There is no plan currently to deal with the educational pandemic that has been looming and … coming to a crash here in the state of New Jersey,” Ruiz said, referring to the latest data from DOE showing New Jersey’s underserved students are in “strong” need of educational support.

—“Parents confused, angry over school disruptions”

—“NJ lawsuit seeks to block remote learning on behalf of special-education students”

— Murphy deploying National Guard troops to help long-term care facilities with pandemic

—“N.J. reports 106 COVID deaths, 27,404 cases. Hospitalizations increase to nearly 5,600”

WALLACE AND (WORD) VOMIT — Republicans: Wallace shouldn’t get a do-over on redistricting rationale, by POLITICO’s Matt Friedman: Republicans who lost the congressional redistricting process last month say the state Supreme Court should not give the redistricting commission’s tiebreaker, former Justice John Wallace Jr., another chance to explain his rationale for siding with Democrats. “I don’t think Justice Wallace can paint himself out of the corner that he painted himself into,” Doug Steinhardt, chair of the GOP redistricting team, said during a virtual press conference Thursday morning. Wallace voted with Democrats on Dec. 22, choosing their map over the Republican proposal. The new map will most likely result in a New Jersey House delegation of nine Democrats and three Republicans. Democrats now hold a 10-2 majority in the delegation. During that December meeting, Wallace, a registered Democrat, shocked observers when he said the two proposed maps largely met his standards, but that ultimately he went with Democrats “simply because in the last redistricting map, it was drawn by the Republicans.”

TRUE TO NJ TRANSIT FORM, IT STALLED — “As Weinberg nears retirement, NJ Transit reform bill 2.0 is unlikely to pass this session,” by The Record’s Colleen Wilson: “Despite compromise and a year and a half of work, Sen. Loretta Weinberg’s last-ditch effort to secure additional reform and accountability for NJ Transit appears unlikely to pass before her term ends next week. Weinberg, D-Teaneck, who is retiring from public office after 28 years in the state Legislature, said she is not optimistic the Assembly will pass a bill she introduced in June 2020 … ‘I have not received a lot of encouragement from the Assembly side, and they’ve had time to at least post this in committee,’ Weinberg said. ‘It went through the Senate fairly, somewhat, easily — at least with enough votes and not a lot of debate — so I’m disappointed that the Assembly didn’t take action.’”

—New Jersey lawmakers advance legislation to preserve abortion rights

—“Appropriations committee affirms $2M for NAACP convention in AC”

—“Another daily jump in COVID cases among staff and patients keeps pressure on NJ hospitals”

—“Murphy endorses Hochul in N.Y. governor’s race”

—“Sacco, Stack announce deal on turnpike toll relief”

—“Buses, trains canceled as COVID-19 sidelines 900 NJ Transit staffers”

IT IS ME. IT IS ME. I AM A SENATOR’S SON — Menendez Jr. formally announces candidacy for Congress in New Jersey’s 8th District, by POLITICO’s Matt Friedman: More than two weeks after Hudson County politicos lined up behind his candidacy for Congress, Robert Menendez Jr. has made it official. The Democratic attorney and recently-appointed board member of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey formally announced his candidacy on Thursday, making him the overwhelming favorite to replace retiring Rep. Albio Sires (D-N.J.) in New Jersey’s heavily Democratic 8th District. The 36-year-old Menendez Jr. is the son of Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), who held the House seat before Sires. “This is a generation defining moment. How we move forward in a time of insurrection, global pandemic, and economic uncertainty will define the America we leave for our children to inherit and will take all of us working together to succeed,” Menendez Jr. said in a statement.

ALL SUSPECTS ARE INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN STUPID — “A year later, most of the 2 dozen N.J. residents charged in Capitol attack await trial,” by NJ Advance Media’s Kevin Shea: “When the smoke from the tear gas cleared and police had restored order inside the U.S. Capitol on the evening of Jan. 6, 2021, New Jersey’s fingerprints were all over the marauding riot that some would call an insurrection, others an attempted overthrow of our democracy. In the year since, the FBI has arrested and charged over two dozen suspects from New Jersey, or with strong connections to the Garden State, with federal crimes related to Capitol attack. Two have since pleaded guilty and been sentenced; the rest await trial. Some of the suspects are accused of violence or assaulting police, but the bulk are charged with illegally entering the historic home of Congress in a menacing attempt to halt the certification of President Joe Biden’s win.”

—“Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick’s memory preserved in NJ hometown”

—John Farmer Jr.: “Our democracy remains in peril”

—“A year after he picked up Capitol riot debris, N.J.’s Kim says ‘threat to our democracy still very potent’”

—Pascrell: “Jan. 6: We cannot cease our defense of American democracy”

—“Rep. Norcross: I heard glass break, saw guns drawn on Jan. 6. The danger is not over”

—“Military helicopter crashes near N.J. base, officials say”

HOW CUNVENIENT — “State senator’s DWI case remains stalled by delays in acquiring discovery evidence,” by The Jersey Journal’s Ron Zeitlinger: “The DWI charges against state Sen. Sandra Cunningham are no closer to getting resolved, and the prosecuting attorneys told a judge Thursday morning that the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office is to blame for the delay … On Thursday, Bergen County Municipal Court Judge Anthony Gallina noted that DWI cases are supposed to be adjudicated within 60 days and asked Prosecutor Linda Schwager the reasons for the ongoing delays. ‘I am dealing with the prosecutor’s office in Hudson County and … there are different departments that handle different things and different areas of a case, Schwager said. ‘Every time I have spoken to (Michael Rubas, Cunningham’s attorney) and he has asked me for something I contact the prosecutor’s office.’ … The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office said in a statement that it ‘has been fully cooperative with the Bergen County Municipal Court throughout the entirety of the case and has already fulfilled a lengthy request for discovery.’ … Rubas said he may file a Holup motion, which asks the judge to dismiss the charges on the basis that discovery evidence necessary for a proper defense was not provided. At a July status hearing, Rubas told the court that he was still awaiting “voluminous” amounts of discovery.”

REPUBLICAN VICKERING — “‘It’s a disgrace’: Ocean County commissioner accuses colleagues of trying to silence him,” by The Asbury Park Press’ Erik Larsen: “In an unprecedented display of political disagreement on the all-Republican Ocean County Board of Commissioners, an angry Joseph H. Vicari claimed that his colleagues were trying to silence him as they moved to strip him of several of his longtime responsibilities on Wednesday. ‘You say this is good government?’ Vicari asked. ‘It’s a disgrace. It’s a disgrace. (In) 40 years, I have never seen this.’ A majority of the five-member board voted at Wednesday’s organizational meeting to make several major changes to individual commissioner assignments, which included removing Vicari as liaison to the Ocean County Vocational Technical School District, the Department of Employee Relations and the Surrogate’s Office.”

—“Year after Capitol riot, NJ Homeland Security chief concerned over rising online recruitment”

PATERSON — “Should Paterson give residents power to vote on school budgets?” by The Paterson Press’ Joe Malinconico: “With Paterson facing a major increase in school taxes for the fourth consecutive year, the City Council is considering a measure that would give residents the authority to vote on school budgets. The public would gain the power to vote on school district budgets if the council adopts a proposed resolution switching the timing from Board of Education elections from November to April. That change would take place as soon as this year if the council approves the measure before Jan. 24, officials said. ‘We need to put up the fight for the taxpayers,’ said City Council Finance Committee Chairman Flavio Rivera, during the governing body’s meeting last week.”

—“Paterson BOE weighs legal action in battle with council over school election date”

DOVER — “‘Hit list’: Dover police captain denied promotion for supporting ex-mayor, lawsuit says,” by The Daily Record’s Jessie Gomez: “The town’s police captain claims he was denied a promotion to chief due to his support of former Mayor James Dodd during the 2019 mayoral elections. Prior to his retirement in 2019, Chief Anthony Smith designated Capt. William Newton as the next chief. After current Mayor Carolyn Blackman won the 2019 elections, Newton was denied the promotion, according to the lawsuit filed by Newton against Blackman and the town. Jonathan Delaney was appointed chief last year. ‘[Newton] has several more years of experience and training in the Police Department than Delaney and is better qualified to be the Chief of Police,’ reads the lawsuit … According to the lawsuit, Newton was removed from the position of chief law enforcement in February 2020 ‘with no explanation or rationale’ from town officials. In 2018, Newton and Delaney were promoted to police captain and first on the civil service promotional list. Delaney supported Blackman and her slate of political candidates during the 2019 elections, the lawsuit read.”

—“Keansburg police officer injured; attacker fatally shot by police, official says”

—“Paramus mayor says schools made poor decision amid dangerous wintry weather”

—“Commission will look at citizen’s proposal for new Atlantic City wards”

—“Anthony Fasano selected as youngest ever director of Sussex County commissioners board”

—“Cumberland jail COVID reappearance, but judge told there are no hospital cases”

—“Hunterdon’s new top official touts county’s fiscal and physical health”

—“Northern Ocean County beach replenishment delayed, with no money assigned”

—“Judge sets new Old Bridge election for March 22”

—“Bayonne 3rd Ward Councilman La Pelusa unveiled as 1st running mate on Mayor Davis’ slate”

STRANGER DANGER — “Viral social media story of attempted child luring turns out to be nothing,” by Reason’s Lenore Skenazy: “’Child luring incident!’ read the warning that appeared last Friday on several Teaneck, New Jersey, social media pages. ‘A man in a car pulled up and tried to get a child in around 11 am on 12/31/21,’ it said. ‘You can clearly hear the child say, ‘I do not accept rides from strangers,’ and ‘no’ several times before walking away. Then the driver laughed and said, ‘I will follow you then’. Teaneck police have already been informed and are looking for any information on identifying the child, so please reach out to Teaneck police asap with any information.’ The post was accompanied by footage from a Ring camera … ‘I said, ‘Don’t put it on the site! I bet you a dollar it’s nothing,’ recalls Keith Kaplan, a Teaneck town councilman who runs the Teaneck Today website in an unofficial capacity. But another one of the site’s administrators, his friend, Deputy Mayor Mark J. Schwartz, pressed publish — and the news went viral … But it took a few days for Debra Passner to notice it — and gasp. ‘Oh my God, oh my God!’ she recalls telling her husband. ‘Because there was a video of our car and our son!’ The Passners had been at a family celebration with their 14-year-old, who wanted to leave early …. He started walking home, with his parents’ blessing. Later, when they were driving home themselves, they saw him on the street and slowed down to offer him a ride. ‘My son, being a wiseass, says, ‘I don’t take rides from strangers,’ Debra Passner recalls.”

—“Trinitas merges with RWJBarnabas, which now has 12 N.J. hospitals”

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