Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 10/13/2020 – InsiderNJ
Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for 10/13/2020:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “It’s not normal.” – Senator Booker during his opening remarks at the SCOTUS confirmation hearing of Amy Coney Barrett
TOP STORY: CD3 Flashpoint: Kim Versus Richter – State of the Nov. 3rd Race
Follow Insider NJ’s COVID-19 Information Update Center and Insider NJ’s County COVID-19 Data Center.
The statewide COVID-19 count stands at 214,097 cases and 14,387 fatalities (and 1,788 probable fatalities) as of Monday; the viral transmission rate is 1.16. Nearly 4M PCR tests in total have been reported.
Governor Murphy signed an executive order allowing the resumption of contact practices and certain high-contact indoor sports, such as youth ice hockey, under a 25% capacity limit.
Governor Murphy announced Deputy Chief Counsel Parimal Garg will serve as his Chief Counsel, following the planned departure of Matt Platkin later this month.
Governor Murphy announced $60M from CARES Act funding to local and county governments.
Governor Murphy announced applications for $500 in school projects funded by the Securing Our Children’s Future Bond Act.
AG Grewal announced a statewide directive to law enforcement and prosecutors outlining best practices for evaluating jailhouse informants.
Former Governor Christie has been released from the hospital following a week-long stay due to COVID-19.
The MVC closed its third location this month due to COVID-19, according to MyCentralJersey.
The Bergen County Sheriff’s Office will host a youth writing contest.
Burlington County announced the resumption of free child immunization clinics.
Cape May County established an opioid task force, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
The Essex County Freeholders passed a resolution in support of ‘The People’s Bill’, authored by Rep. Timberlake.
Morris County Surrogate Darling is continuing her virtual ‘Surrogate’s Session’ series. Retiring county prosecutor Knapp reflected on his eight years of service, according to the Daily Record.
30% of Ocean County’s restaurants could be out of business in 2021, according to the county’s Tourism and Business Advisory Council chairman, according to the Asbury Park Press.
The Somerset County prosecutor says the county’s proactive strategy to fight drug addiction is working, according to MyCentralJersey.
Senator Booker delivered opening remarks at the Senate Judiciary Committee’s confirmation hearing of SCOTUS nominee Amy Coney Barrett.
Rep. Pascrell announced a hearing on ‘taxpayer fairness’ today.
Rep. Van Drew introduced the ‘Health Smart Air Travel Act’.
Reps. Gottheimer and Malinowski sent a letter to FBI Director Wray requesting additional federal response to the growing presence of the ‘Proud Boys’ in the state.
Rep. Payne sent a letter to President Trump urging more support for airline workers.
Atlantic Health System launched a COVID-19 Recovery Center.
A Monmouth University COVID-19 case spike is tied to an off-campus ‘super-spreader’ event, according to the Asbury Park Press.
A Kean University professor won a national research award to study remote education.
NBC 4 New York was honored an Edward R. Murrow Award for their coverage of the December 2019 deadly shootout in Jersey City.
ICYMI: Murphy notes high # of new COVID cases, took aim at stalled COVID-19 stimulus talks; NJDOL: $16.2B in benefits; USPS mail carrier arrested for discarding mail; Murphy calls Bedminster event ‘completely reckless‘, lashed out at Mehta; Murphy reacted to Trump’s COVID-19 positive test; Schaffer demanded answers; Testa, Pennacchio, Howes absent from event (iLine post)
Take a look at a few congressional campaign nuggets from CD1 and CD2.
A FDU Public Mind poll finds President Trump is headed toward a decisive defeat in heavily Democratic New Jersey, and that those who support Joe Biden are more motivated by animus toward the president than support for the former vice president.
The state saw its largest one-month gain in voter registration in September, according to Burlington County Times.
In CD2, Democratic candidate Amy Kennedy launched a new TV ad. Kennedy released her ‘Agenda for Children and Families’ policy platform.
In CD3, the state of the congressional race between incumbent Rep. Kim and GOP candidate David Richter. Richter was endorsed by former Rep. Runyan.
In CD4, the Asbury Park Press wrote about how Rep. Smith’s challenger, Democrat Stephanie Schmid, worked for him as a teenager.
In CD5, Rep. Gottheimer launched ‘Republicans For Josh’.
In CD7, the Sierra Club slammed the US Chamber of Commerce’s endorsement of GOP candidate Senator Kean.
In CD11, the Sherrill campaign slammed a GOP attack ad against the incumbent that featured a burning American flag. The Becchi campaign noted they didn’t put out the ad, but said Sherrill ‘continues to gaslight issues without addressing the real concerns raised in the flyer’. Sussex County Dems Chair Rowe slammed the Becchi campaign, calling on her to denounce the ad. Rep. Sherrill was endorsed by the Passaic and Essex sheriffs.
The Gloucester County Federation of Democratic Women endorsed candidates in the 2020 election.
The Monmouth County Democratic freeholder candidates touted their growing list of endorsements.
SOMA Action is holding a ‘Ballot Box Bonanza‘ on Saturday.
The Atlantic County Sheriff’s race focuses on the role of officers and the mission of the office, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
The 2020 Bergen County freeholder race is a sleepy one, according to the Bergen Record.
The Star-Ledger endorsed Joe Biden for President.
PBA Local #231 President Bermudez slammed the Cumberland County Freeholder Board for voting to export correctional services to Atlantic and Burlington counties.
ICYMI: Names in succession game should Booker go to a Biden Admin; Working Families NJ endorsements; 32BJ endorsements; Elect Women NJ endorsed candidates; in CD2’s battleground contest, Van Drew, Kennedy debate; Pallotta says Trump helps candidacy; Norcross visit to Picatinny sets off speculation; NJLCV released endorsements; Bedminster bedlam; NJCA endorsements; poll: Kennedy has 5-pt lead; unions backing Trump; ACA center stage in CD11; Kennedy’s critical ground game
Senators Corrado and O’Scanlon called for the closure of the scandal-plagued Schools Development Authority.
Senators Bucco and Corrado introduced legislation to suspend automatic voter registration at state agencies following reports of duplicate ballots being sent out.
The Senate GOP bemoaned the Murphy Administration’s delay in allocating CARES Act funding, citing a state auditor report that finds barely 10% of the $2.4B in funds have been spent as of September 30th.
Assemblymembers Peters and Stanfield criticized Senator Addiego’s vote in favor of the state budget and $4.5B in borrowing despite speaking out against it previously.
NJ voters favor marijuana legalization by a 2-1 margin, according to a FDU poll, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
The NJDHS announced a new program to help residents pay housing costs amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The NJFHMA announced that deadline for applications for the Small Landlord Emergency Grant Program is today at 4pm.
The NJBIA launched a new HR Support Center.
ICYMI: Murphy signed legislation allowing campaign funds to pay for child care; CAG formed (iLine post); Murphy signed legislation excluding combat zone pay from state income tax, McLellan introduced legislation to establish New Jersey Black Cultural Heritage Commission; Sweeney wants to cap sick leave days; Rice, Scutari went nose-to-nose
Insider NJ Poll: The Murphy-Sweeney-Coughlin triumvirate: if one’s gotta go, who should it be?
In Flemington, Hunterdon GOP Chair Plumer and GOP gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli called on Mayor Driver to resign over an inflammatory Facebook post in which she tells Trump voters to ‘go fuck yourself’ (iLine post). NJGOP Chairman called on Driver to apologize, saying the comments were ‘bigoted and hateful’.
In Lumberton, the committee voted to censure Mayor Tuno, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Atlantic City, Stockton University, the Press of AC, and Triax57 will hold a mayoral debate today.
In Piscataway, Zoe Scotto seeks to be elected the youngest BOE member.
In Brick, Democratic Club President Reilly endorsed Helen Delacruz for Ocean County freeholder.
In Piscataway, ECSNJ assumed ownership of the Piscataway Regional Day School.
In Jersey City, two BOE slates are battling it out, according to the Jersey Journal.
In West Caldwell, the Democratic council candidates called on the GOP to condemn President Trump’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In New Milford, the police department will hold a domestic violence symposium on October 28th.
In Perth Amboy, mayoral candidate Joe Vas slammed Mayor Diaz and ‘incompetent leadership’ over police misconduct issues. Mayoral candidate Helmin Caba responded to an anonymous email blast about old business debts, saying ‘my past challenges are a strength’.
In Old Bridge, Ward 2 Democratic council candidate Saddiqi accused the GOP of silencing the public by eliminating a public comment period.
In Bedminster, a Trump parade is set for this Saturday, beginning in Flemington, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Demarest, young voters held a rally in support of voting-by-mail, according to the Bergen Record.
In Westfield, 10 candidates are vying for 3 BOE seats, according to TAPinto.
In Teaneck, a proposed Islamic center is suing the town for discrimination, according to the Bergen Record.
In Red Bank, the council won’t discuss an investigation into leaked emails at their meeting tomorrow, according to TAPinto.
In Englewood, a judge ruled that a zoning ordinance is not discriminatory, according to the Bergen Record.
In Bordentown, the town bought 72 acres of waterfront space and marked it for open space, according to NJ Biz.
In Belmar, council candidates debated, according to TAPinto.
In Seaside Park, the town got a loan for water main improvements, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Moorestown, a town board approved a mall redevelopment study, according to the Burlington County Times.
In Hamilton (Mercer), the 2020 election presents voters with many down ballot choices, according to the Trentonian.
In Randolph, the school district reported its 6th COVID-19 case, according to NJ Hills.
In Deptford, a police officer was charged in a Jersey Shore assault, according to the Courier Post.
In Egg Harbor Township, the removal of motels from the West Atlantic City section has left at least one couple without a place to live, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Passaic, the city solved a major problem for the homeless, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Long Hill, parents voiced concern over remote learning and scheduling at a BOE meeting, according to NJ Hills.
In Mount Olive, a socially distanced Oktoberfest drew hundreds, according to NJ Hills.
In Clifton, the city razed the Black Prince distillery building for housing, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Morris Plains, a lone Democrat is challenging for one of two council seats, according to NJ Hills.
In Ramsey, two schools report new COVID-19 cases, according to the Bergen Record.
In Tenafly, rec programs are suspended in light of COVID-19, according to the Bergen Record.
In Morris Township, black activists denounced President Trump, according to Morristown Green.
ICYMI: In Newark, Baraka delivered State of City; in JC, Fulop held fundraiser (iLine post); in Irvington, Vauss expects ‘close to Obama’ election turnout numbers; in Newark, former BOE candidate slammed Trump’s hospital motorcade; in Irvington, Rice says educating residents is critical, Baraka says ‘moments get more and more grave, it becomes more clear‘; in West Orange, Parisi praised Murphy’s COVID-19 handling; in Perth Amboy, Diaz seeks re-election; in Belleville, Melham still opposed to VBM election (iLine post); GSE local endorsements (iLine post); in Perth Amboy, Diaz addressed rallying union workers; in AC, post office boxes disappearing; in Perth Amboy, mayoral candidates hit streets; in NB, Pittman unmotivated by the presidential election; in Middletown, Trump supporters held rally; in AC, InsiderNJ sits down w/ Small and sits down w/ Callaway; in Smithville, protesters civilly clashed
AROUND THE WEB:
Cannabis influencers: The veteran lobbyist with a spark
Justin Zaremba, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- To rise in a male-dominated industry, it’s often said women need not only do as well as men but do it “backwards and in heels” like Ginger Rogers dancing with Fred Astaire.
Italian heritage groups gather in Nutley, Belleville to honor Christopher Columbus’ legacy
Julia Martin, NorthJersey.com
- Local officials, members of Italian heritage groups and residents of Nutley and Belleville gathered in view of their towns’ Christopher Columbus statues Sunday to celebrate the explorer’s legacy. The activities, which included a morning flag-raising in front of Belleville Town Hall and a wreath-laying ceremony and car parade in Nutley, replaced the towns’ joint Columbus Day parade, which is one of the largest in the state. It was canceled because of the pandemic.
Did President’s Bedminster fundraiser endanger others?
Charlie Zavalick, New Jersey Hills
- Did President Donald Trump’s Oct. 1 fund-raiser at his private country club here recklessly endanger guests, staff and the community at large? Or was the private event held safely with appropriate measures taken to protect the more than 200 guests and others who attended?
Republican incumbents point to experience, track record in Warren Township Committee race
Alex Parker-Magyar, New Jersey Hills
- Seeking voter support for another three years on the Township Committee, Republicans Michael “Mick” Marion and George Lazo point to their track record, experience and responses to crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Watchung Republican candidates share blueprint for moving borough forward
New Jersey Hills
- Borough Councilman Ronald Jubin and fellow Republican candidate Freddie Hayeck have put together a blueprint for the pressing issues they consider most important to all residents of Watchung.
After three citations, DOH showed up to shut down Cuban Pete’s. Now owner says he’ll comply
Esther Davidowitz, NorthJersey.com
- Dominick Restaino, owner of Cuban Pete’s in Montclair that has been cited three times for violating executive orders regarding indoor dining, said he is now complying with the mandated health protocol. He began to comply, he said, immediately after the Health Department came to shut down his restaurant.
Pot legalization opponents: It’s a threat to NJ road safety
Michael Symons, NJ1015
- They don’t have much money, but opponents of marijuana legalization are still trying to convince New Jerseyans not to approve the ballot question that would amend the state constitution to allow it. Sayreville Police Chief John Zebrowski said drunk-driving crashes are down significantly over the last 30 years and worries that would reverse if legalization leads to more impaired drivers. He also said the change would bolster, not destroy, the black market of illegal drugs.
What it could mean for schools as NJ braces for second COVID-19 wave
Brenda Flanagan, NJ Spotlight
- The state’s fluctuating COVID-19 numbers hint that a potential second wave of the virus is looming and New Jersey schools and communities are bracing for the worst. That will probably mean more remote-only learning for students, and big changes for traditional religious groups not accustomed to masking up and social distancing.
NJ DOT won’t lower speed limit at Route 80 S-curve, states commissioner’s letter
Bruce A. Scruton, New Jersey Herald
- Speed limit reductions “would not be effective in increasing safety” in the area of the S-curve on Interstate 80 “and is not warranted,” according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation. That assessment was contained in an Oct. 2 letter from Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti to Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-Sussex.
Election 2020: The pundits are polls apart from the Jersey guy who got it right in 2016 | Mulshine
Paul Mulshine, Star-Ledger
- I think I can safely say that Donald Trump is more skilled at escaping from tight spots than any politician in recorded history. If you doubt that, think back on what was happening at this point four years ago in Trump’s presidential campaign against Hillary Clinton.
David Richter says it’s time to open concert halls, theaters, bars, everything
NJ.com
- A wealthy businessman with no political experience, David Richter says it’s time to open concert halls, theaters, bars, everything. And he would cancel contact tracing efforts.
Will Van Drew’s pledge to Trump be his undoing? Kennedy is banking heavily on it | Stile
Charles Stile, NorthJersey.com
- Rep. Jeff Van Drew dispensed with any subtlety last December when he sat next to President Donald Trump in the White House as a newly converted Republican. “You have my undying support — always,” he told Trump, extending his hand to shake the president’s.
When to draw the lines that determine who represents you in Trenton now an open question
Colleen O’Dea, NJ Spotlight
- Voters are being asked if New Jersey should postpone its redrawing of state legislative district lines for two years if the U.S. Census Bureau delivers the state’s population count late. The description alone of the question, which is on the November ballot, may be enough to make some voters’ eyes glaze over, never mind the eight-paragraph interpretive statement that accompanies it.
How to vote in New Jersey: A comprehensive guide for South Jersey residents
Jarrad Daniel Saffren, Burlington County Times
- How do you vote in New Jersey in 2020? It’s a complicated question during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, which is limiting the number of polling places, keeping residents in their homes and forcing state officials to find different methods for ensuring widespread access to the ballot.
NJ election: Everything you need to know about the 2020 Monmouth, Ocean County races
Asbury Park Press
- The 2020 election season is upon us – and although the presidential election is dominating headlines, it’s not the only thing you’ll be voting for when you cast your (mail-in) ballot.
Trump and Biden both need northeast Pennsylvania to win. Here’s why it may be close | Kelly
Mike Kelly, NorthJersey.com
- Bill Barrett readily admits he ought to be voting for President Donald Trump. After all, Barrett fits the profile of so many Trump supporters in the rolling hills of northeast Pennsylvania: He’s white, 70 years old, an Army veteran and a lifelong police officer who is angry at the clarion call by Democratic progressives to defund police departments because of their treatment of Black Americans.
South Jersey Black men reflect on Million Man March 25 years ago and today’s protests
Vincent Jackson, Press of Atlantic City
- Lorenzo T. Langford had only reached the position of City Council vice president when he sat on the chartered bus out of Atlantic City en route to Washington, D.C., to attend the Million Man March on Oct. 16, 1995.
NJ locked down, Sweden didn’t… can we compare?
Dennis Malloy, NJ1015
- Many proponents of the “religion” of lockdowns scoff at the mere mention of Sweden and how it handled the coronavirus pandemic. They say you can’t compare the United States to Sweden. It’s a different population and culture. Some will say they lost more people than their neighboring Nordic countries.
‘Homespun schoolteacher’ hopes to unseat D-2 Republican incumbent
Nanette LoBiondo Galloway, Down Beach
- Democrat Amy Kennedy of Brigantine faced-off against District-2 incumbent Jeff Van Drew Thursday in a debate hosted by the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy in the Fanny Lou Hamer Room at Stockton University’s Atlantic City campus.
Models predict new COVID-19 surge could bring 25% more deaths
Lilo H. Stainton, NJ Spotlight
- New Jersey’s hospitals could once again fill with COVID-19 patients and the state’s death toll could increase by as much as 25% by February, according to one respected national model, and that’s if people keep on wearing masks and social distancing.
Jayed Rahman, Paterson Times
- 41-year-old Qayyum Montgomery has never voted in his entire life because of his entanglement in the criminal justice system. “I was always in trouble,” said Montgomery, who has half dozen criminal convictions, on Friday afternoon. He said he committed armed robbery at age 15 and was charged as an adult. He was arrested three years ago for allegedly dealing drugs. “Criminals can’t vote.”
Noted N.J. economist: Why next stimulus should be geared toward youngest workers
Tom Bergeron, roi-nj.com
- Plans for another stimulus package — one that figures to come in at around $2 trillion — appeared to be falling apart over the weekend as Republicans and Democrats in Washington, D.C., can’t decide where and how to spend this incredible amount of money.
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