From Maplewood Township:
The CDC has approved the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5-11. Essex County vaccination centers (Essex County College, West orange KMART, Livingston Sears) will begin 5-11 year old vaccinations starting November 3, 2021.
Vaccinations are by appointment only, see https://essexcovid.org/
Already facing historical trends that show a president’s party losing congressional seats in midterm elections, the road to re-election for four targeted New Jersey House Democrats got even rockier following Tuesday’s gubernatorial election.
Gov. Phil Murphy narrowly defeated former Assembly member Jack Ciattarelli in an election much closer than polls indicated, while Republicans gained seats in the state Legislature and won the governorship and the two other statewide races in Virginia.
“This caught the attention of every member of Congress from New Jersey,” said Rep. Donald Norcross, D-1st Dist.
The unexpected Republican strength on Tuesday could encourage strong candidates to take on the four Democrats who flipped GOP-held seats in 2016 and 2018: 3rd District Rep. Andy Kim, 5th District Rep. Josh Gottheimer, 7th District Rep. Tom Malinowski and 11th District Rep. Mikie Sherrill.
“The election results make clear that Tom Malinowski, Andy Kim, Mikie Sherrill and Josh Gottheimer are doomed,” National Republican Congressional Committee spokeswoman Camille Gallo said. “Republicans have a long list of talented candidates lining up to run and win in New Jersey.”
Two years ago, the NRCC also announced it was going after the four Democrats but fielded only one strong challenger, state Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean Jr., R-Union, who barely lost to Malinowski.
Kean is running again, but he might not be the only top Republican recruit.
“If some strong Republican candidate was on the fence about whether to run in 2022, looking at Virginia and looking at New Jersey would probably push him over into running,” Democratic consultant Peter Fenn said.
And just as their victories were key to Democrats taking back the House in 2018, their survival may well determine whether the party can keep control after the 2022 elections.
“Those four races everybody’s going to be watching again,” Republican consultant Mike DuHaime said.
The 2021 results showed a decline in Democratic support in some key counties.
In Burlington, the Democratic portion of Kim’s district, Murphy’s share of the vote dropped to 53.2% from 56.5% when he first ran in 2017, according to the Associated Press.
Murphy’s percentage in heavily Democratic Essex County, parts of which are in Malinowski’s and Sherrill’s districts, dipped to 73.7% from 79.6% in 2017. And Murphy’s 52.3% share of the vote in Bergen County, the source of 79% of Gottheimer’s votes in 2020, was less than the 56.6% he received during his first race.
There was some good news in the numbers, however. In Somerset County, a major part of Malinowski’s district, Murphy increased his vote share to 50.8% from 49.8% even though it was Ciattarelli’s home county.
But Malinowski cautioned against using the 2021 numbers as a predictor of 2022.
“National elections are very different in New Jersey,” he said. “You have vastly different levels of turnout.”
Still, American elections are becoming more and more nationalized. While in the White House, Donald Trump saw a huge swing in suburban areas to the Democrats. With Trump out of office, Tuesday’s results indicated that the former president may not be the fear factor he once was.
Murphy went after Ciattarelli for his appearance at a rally in support of Trump’s disproven claims of voter fraud in the 2020 elections. But the Republican ignored the former president during the campaign and instead talked about taxes, the economy and the coronavirus, which apparently resonated with swing voters more than concern over Trump.
At the same time, the Delta variant forced new pandemic restrictions and slowed the economic recovery, Democrats in Washington bickered over new spending, and Biden’s approval ratings in New Jersey dropped to 43% in an October Monmouth University Poll, with 49% disapproving.
“It sets a trajectory of how Republicans can win in the state going forward,” said Ashley Koning, an assistant research professor and director of Rutgers’ Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling. “It’s a signal that the way Republicans win in New Jersey is going down the middle.”
DuHaime said that the endangered Democrats seeking re-election will be running for the first time without Trump occupying center stage.
“If you’re one of these Democrats, you’ve never run without Donald Trump on the ballot or as president,” he said. “This is the first time running without Donald Trump as a foil. It’s going to be more difficult.”
But Trump, considering a 2024 presidential run, could inject himself into 2022, endorsing and campaigning for numerous Republican candidates and demanding fealty to his false claims of a stolen election.
Already, several New Jersey congressional candidates have trekked to the former president’s golf club in Bedminster, some asking for his endorsement and others simply posting pictures of them posing with him.
“Whether Trump is a factor is up to Trump,” said Ben Dworkin, director of Rowan University’s Institute for Public Policy and Citizenship. “The more Donald Trump is a presence, the more unified Democrats become and the more they will be able to use Trump as a placeholder for their Republican opponents.”
Democrats said they could change the subject with passage of the twin spending bills that fund the Gateway Tunnel under the Hudson River, lower health care and child care costs, fight climate change, and restore at least part of the federal deduction for state and local taxes, which Republicans capped at $10,000 in their 2017 tax law.
But even on Friday, passage of any legislation was held up for hours because of ongoing disagreements between moderate and progressive members of the House Democratic Caucus., while Biden called lawmakers asking for their support.
Eventually, the House approved the infrastructure bill while moderates promised to back the social spending bill when it reached the floor later this month.
That spending would be in addition to the $1.9 trillion coronavirus stimulus bill passed in March over unanimous Republican opposition that provided $1,400 direct payments to most Americans, cut taxes for lower- and middle-class families through an expanded the child tax credit, and provided $350 billion to states and localities.
“This is our fault that we haven’t messaged well enough,” Fenn said. “We have to have a way to shift to that message but still call bull—- on the other stuff, on critical race theory, on socialism, on defund the police.”
Malinowski, for example, said that he was first elected promising to get funding for Gateway, eliminate the $10,000 deduction cap — a big deal in high-property tax New Jersey — and lower health care costs.
“What we need to do is point out relentlessly that Democrats are the party that gets things done and Republicans are bat-stuff crazy,” Malinowski said. “I can’t imagine a better way for re-election than saying, ‘I did everything I promised to do and therefore you should have confidence that I will do the things you need me to do now.’”
The wild card in all this is redistricting. The bipartisan independent commission is holding hearings and will eventually decide how to draw the lines for the state’s 12 congressional districts. None of the lawmakers or potential challengers know yet where they’ll be running.
“We don’t know what redistricting is going to look like,” Dworkin said. “That will have a huge impact on who runs and who ends up winning.”
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Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him at @JDSalant.
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Newark, NJ | 14h
Great Oaks Legacy Charter School was among the first schools in Newark to require all employees to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
NEWARK, NJ — Officials at a Newark charter school say they’ve hit a big number: 98 percent. That’s the number of staff who are now vaccinated against the coronavirus, according to administrators at Great Oaks Legacy Charter School (GOLCS), a Newark-based, seven-campus public charter school that educates students in grades PK4-12. … Read more
This story is one you’re going to want to share with friends and family immediately.
I was scrolling through the internet when I found this article from Fox 59 in Indiana that I just had to share with you.
It told the story of a woman who was tricked into giving up $1500 because she was tricked into thinking her parents were being held hostage.
You read that right.
The story went on to say that the scammers were smart enough to use her parents’ number for the Caller ID, to trick the woman into picking up the phone. Once she did, she heard what sounded like a realistic robbery scene, and was duped into sending the money.
You may have guessed that her parents (thankfully) weren’t on the other end of that phone call at all! It was all scam.
As the article said, it’s important we spread the word about this one since it can be especially deceiving. The holiday season is right around the corner, and people are desperate to do anything for a buck. And, it turns out, the week of November 14th is actually International Fraud Awareness Week. So what perfect timing to share the news.
Scams have been on the rise lately. Recently, I also warned you about a dating app scam and a job-hunting scam.
Remember to always keep your eyes and ears open when you receive an unexpected email, text, or phone call. Look out for anything suspicious, like misspellings, weird links, and if you do get a phone call, don’t be so quick to give out personal information.
Let’s all stay safe, Ocean County!
This story is one you’re going to want to share with friends and family immediately.
I was scrolling through the internet when I found this article from Fox 59 in Indiana that I just had to share with you.
It told the story of a woman who was tricked into giving up $1500 because she was tricked into thinking her parents were being held hostage.
You read that right.
The story went on to say that the scammers were smart enough to use her parents’ number for the Caller ID, to trick the woman into picking up the phone. Once she did, she heard what sounded like a realistic robbery scene, and was duped into sending the money.
You may have guessed that her parents (thankfully) weren’t on the other end of that phone call at all! It was all scam.
As the article said, it’s important we spread the word about this one since it can be especially deceiving. The holiday season is right around the corner, and people are desperate to do anything for a buck. And, it turns out, the week of November 14th is actually International Fraud Awareness Week. So what perfect timing to share the news.
Scams have been on the rise lately. Recently, I also warned you about a dating app scam and a job-hunting scam.
Remember to always keep your eyes and ears open when you receive an unexpected email, text, or phone call. Look out for anything suspicious, like misspellings, weird links, and if you do get a phone call, don’t be so quick to give out personal information.
Let’s all stay safe, Ocean County!
EAST ORANGE, N.J. (CBSNewYork) — Authorities in New Jersey are offering a $10,000 reward and have enlisted the help of the FBI in the search for 14-year-old Jashyah Moore.
Police said Jashyah went missing 20 days ago in East Orange, CBS2’s Aundrea Cline-Thomas reported Friday.
Hand made posters hang at the deli where Jashyah was last seen Oct. 14.
Authorities said surveillance video shows her entering Poppies Deli on Central Avenue with an older man who paid for her items. But the video does not appear to show the two leaving together.
Please share: HAVE YOU SEEN JASHYAH? https://t.co/soo80vq4OK pic.twitter.com/sTbyIXPCNd
— Aundrea Cline-Thomas (@AClineThomas) November 5, 2021
Authorities said the man in the video was identified and is cooperating with police.
“If anybody knows anything, please, please come forward,” said Jamie Moore, Jashyah’s mother. “My baby is going to high school. She’s a good girl.”
Moore is pleading for information about her missing daughter.
“I cannot imagine what she might be going through… just being away from us for this long,” said Moore.
According to Moore, Jashyah had picked up a few items from the store in their neighborhood, but lost her mother’s card. After returning home with the items, Jashyah set out to find the card.
READ MORE: All Clear Issued At Columbia University After Bomb Threats Issued To Several Ivy League Schools
WATCH: Mother Of Missing Jashyah Moore Speaks Out
“She left to backtrack her steps. That was the last time I saw her,” Moore said through tears. “Jashyah is a smart girl, and I can’t reiterate that enough. She would not stay out, she would not go off with anyone, she’s a homebody. She plays video games, she likes to cook, she plays with her little brother, he’s like her best friend.”
The Essex County Sheriff’s Office is putting up $10,000 for information that could lead to Jashyah’s safe return.
(Credit: East Orange Police Department)
“If you even remember something vague, please just relay that information. We would really appreciate that. We have to protect Black women. We have to protect Black girls,” said Yolanda Aguilera, Jashyah’s aunt.
Police said Jashyah’s stepfather, who was arrested for domestic violence against the family, is also cooperating. But police have not connected his arrest to the teen’s disappearance.
Jashyah is described as 5 feet 5 inches tall and 135 pounds, last seen wearing khaki pants, a black jacket and black boots.
MORE NEWS: Runners Overjoyed To Take Part In Historic New York City Marathon
The FBI, New Jersey State Police and East Orange Police Department are working together to find the teen. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 877-847-7432 or 973-266-5041. Tips can be made anonymously.
Jashyah Moore, of East Orange, was last seen on October 14, when mom Jamie Moore sent her to get some juice and paper towels at Poppie’s Deli on Central Avenue, not far from their 3rd Ward home.
Jashyah initially returned home but said she lost her mother’s credit card somewhere along the way.
Jamie Moore said it had happened before, and she suggested Jashyah go back and retrace her steps in an effort to find it.
“She left, she backtracked her steps, and that was the last I saw her,” she said.
Watch: Full press conference with missing girl’s mother:
According to employees and surveillance footage from that date, Jashyah entered the store with an older man who paid for her items at the register.
The footage does not appear to show the two leaving together, but police say they have identified that man and that he has been very helpful in the investigation.
Since then, the East Orange Police Department has been working with the FBI, the New Jersey State Police, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Essex County Sheriff’s Office to follow all leads related to Jashyah’s whereabouts.
Jamie Moore says that her daughter’s disappearance is completely out of character.
“She, Jashyah, is a smart girl and I can’t reiterate that enough,” she said. “She would not stay out, she would not go out, go off with anyone. She’s a homebody, she plays video games, she likes to cook, she plays with her little brother, he’s like her best friend. I cannot imagine what she might be going through, just being away from us for this long, away from her family who loves her very much.”
The Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura’s Crime Stoppers Program also is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the location and safe return of Jashyah.
“If anybody knows anything, please, please come forward,” Jamie Moore said. “My baby is going to high school. She’s a good girl. Please, please.”
Jashyah is 5-foot-5 and weighs about 135 pounds. She was last seen wearing khaki pants, a black jacket, and black boots.
“Our police officers are working closely with our partnering agencies, analyzing data and following all tips that may lead us to Jashyah so we can bring her safely home,” East Orange Police Chief Phyllis Bindi said. “We are asking for the public’s assistance and we urge anyone with information to contact our Tips Hotline at 973.266.5041. All tips may be reported anonymously.”
ALSO READ | Banks tell customers they’re responsible if they pay Zelle scammers
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Want an amazing last minute plan for tonight? Well, have you ever been to this hidden gem in Toms River? The Mathis House is a breathtaking Victorian Bed & Breakfast and tonight you can be their special guest for a dinner to remember!
The Mathis House (used to be known as 600 Main) is a romantic step back into time…it serves as a formal tea room, dining area and inn. Stay overnight, pop in for a spot of tea and finger sandwiches or enjoy special nights like tonight…
This evening, you’re requested to attend their Italian Dinner night at 7 pm. The Inn will be fully decorated for the Holidays and the experience is magical.
This sounds amazing! The dinner includes soup, salad, chicken franciase, sausage and peppers, penne vodka, and roasted vegetables with warm bread, dessert, with coffee, tea or soda for $35 pp. Children five and under are free and kids 12 and under are $20.
Also included is live music and tours of the Inn! You can still get your spot…call 732-818-7580 to make your reservation. This is perfect for the entire family. They have board games to play by the fire and the coziest vibe. Enjoy and get into that holiday spirit!
More details and locations will be added as the holiday season progresses, so please check back often for updates. Malls are listed in alphabetical order.
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There’s been another fatal shooting in Camden County — this time, claiming the life of a 22-year-old man.
Acting Camden County Prosecutor Jill Mayer and Camden County Police Chief Gabriel Rodriguez say officers were called to the 1300 block of Lakeshore Drive in Camden around 11:30 Thursday night after they received a ShotSpotter alert.
At the scene, cops say they found an unconscious man, identified as Kwamere Brown of Camden, suffering from a gunshot wound.
Brown was taken to Cooper Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries about 45 minutes later.
Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to contact Det. Jeremy Jankowski with the Homicide Unit of the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office at (856) 397-3485. Tips can also be sent anonymously to ccpotips@ccprosecutor.org.
By Eileen O’Connor
There is an ongoing crisis in Essex County: We have a shortage of judges in the Essex County State Courts, the busiest County Court in New Jersey. The county currently has 15 open judicial seats out of 56 spots.
When our justice system isn’t functioning effectively, our whole community suffers. The results are unacceptable delays in the disposition of cases and, therefore, unwarranted, and often severe hardships on the litigants. For example, if divorce or child custody issues are unresolved, a stable home life is nearly impossible.
One Essex attorney recently advised that a custody bench trial started in August be continued to a date nearly six months later. This is due to the staggering caseload of the judge who simply cannot continue to hear the case any sooner. This timing leaves families to navigate the winter holidays and school breaks without custody and visitation agreements settled and support arrangements in place.
The criminal and civil courts face similar challenges. Many defendants in criminal cases, presumed innocent, have been detained for long periods of time waiting for trials to resume post-pandemic. When the trials resume, there will not be enough judges to preside over them. Another consequence of the delays is that evidence goes stale and victims and witnesses lack finality and closure.
The civil docket has also been hit especially hard as limited judicial resources must be directed to pressing criminal and family dockets. Injured plaintiffs, employment disputes, commercial litigation and contract cases languish as a result.
Landlord and tenant matters further add to the Essex County Court’s already heavy caseload. During the pandemic, a moratorium on evictions was enacted statewide. As a result, there are now nearly 17,000 pending landlord/tenant matters in Essex County, the highest in the state. Given this staggering number, the court has suggested that all judges may have to hear these matters, further frustrating those judges’ efforts to address their own court calendars.
The maxim “Justice delayed is justice denied,” rings true here. Delays in resolving legal matters cause collateral damage to the parties and the community, such as homelessness, lost wages and employment, deepening debt, and the stress and anxiety attendant to litigation. The simple fact is that lingering litigation prevents the parties from achieving closure and moving on with their lives.
Sadly, the statistics bear out these points. By state statute, Essex County should have 56 judges. At present, it has only 41, a deficit of 15 (27%). Some of the work is being done by the recall service of retired judges, but that is only of limited help.
The judges’ caseloads are staggering. As of Sept. 30, there were over 14,351 civil law division cases pending; 8,600 criminal cases; over 5,500 family division cases and over 22,000 special civil cases, 17,000 of which are landlord/tenant matters. These numbers are so severe that without additional judges, it will be many years before the court can fully adjudicate these cases.
All Essex residents are entitled to a court that enjoys a full complement of jurists, ready and able to preside over matters in a timely manner. Anything less is unconscionable. To that end, the Essex County Bar Association implores elected leaders to nominate, vet and vote on qualified judicial candidates now.
This crisis deepens every day. We also urge the residents of Essex County to contact their elected representatives and demand that qualified judges be appointed immediately. Failure to address this crisis will impact the ability of all Essex County residents to obtain timely justice in their County Courthouse.
Eileen O’Connor is the 124th president of the Essex County Bar Association. She served as an assistant prosecutor for 20 years before retiring.
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