Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 12/3/2019 – InsiderNJ
Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for 12/3/2019:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “In the interest of social justice and equity in our state, my challenge to our legislative leadership is this: Move all the bills together, at once, immediately.” – Senator Rice on legislation to extend drivers’ licenses to undocumented immigrants and other license related bills
TOP STORY: Golden: Sparking 2% Cap Debate, Sweeney Knows Exactly what He’s Doing
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka’s administration filed a complaint against NYC Mayor DeBlasio to halt a program that sends homeless families to New Jersey, arguing that the families often end up in poor living conditions, according to NJ.com.
A Louisiana pastor and president of a religious college was arrested at Newark Liberty Airport after he allegedly sexually assaulted a student on an international flight, according to the US Attorney’s Office.
Former Rhode Island Senator Whitehouse filed an amicus brief with the US Supreme Court ahead of the Bridgegate appeal, arguing that overturning the Baroni and Kelly convictions could imperil the jury’s role as a ‘guardian against corruption’, according to Politico NJ.
Reps. Gottheimer and Pascrell urged the Port Authority to keep the carpool toll discount on the George Washington Bridge.
ICYMI: Murphy, Pascrell, Johnson held roundtable on domestic terrorism; Sherrill’s town hall presented new terrain; poll finds 44% of residents plan to leave in near future; Insider NJ’s key pieces; Who’s Up and Who’s Down: Week of the League; NJLOM elected leaders; Harrison talks w/ Norcross
GOP Senate candidate Rik Mehta is confident that he’s the party’s best bet to take on Senator Booker next year, as he makes the GOP rounds in support of the nomination.
Somers Point Councilman and former CD2 GOP primary candidate James Toto announced his candidacy for a freeholder-at-large seat in Atlantic County.
The South Jersey Progressive Democrats elected their leadership team last night, with Katy Delaney to lead the group for the next year.
CD1 Rep. Norcross was endorsed by the Sierra Club for re-election.
CD2 GOP primary candidate David Richter was endorsed by four GOP Mullica Township officials.
GOP Senate primary candidate Stuart Meissner released a statement condemning Iran’s violent crackdown on its citizens.
Hudson GOP Chair candidate Joshua Sotomayer Einstein will hold a launch event on Dec. 16th.
The Democratic Chair Battle:
ICYMI: Booker released a new ad; in CD2, two more names emerge for potential primary, Harrison mulling potential run, as Dems consider options, Kennedy won’t run against Van Drew; in CD9, Lewis will fundraise for Pascrell; in CD11, Casha announced candidacy, as Langer considers a bid; Mastrangelo took loss in court; in LD25, former Frelinghuysen staffer Dunn prevailed as six candidates jockeyed for vacancy; Essex’s Johnson expected not to seek re-elec
Here’s what’s on tap under the Gold Dome on Thursday and here’s what happened in Trenton last Monday.
Governor Murphy has vetoed more of his own party’s legislation than any of his recent predecessors, according to NJ Spotlight.
Senator Rice says he won’t vote in favor of legislation to extend driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants unless other license-related bills in committee are moved forward as well, saying ‘justice isn’t a piecemeal proposition’. The Senate Transportation Committee will hold a hearing on the license bill on the 12th, while the Assembly Judiciary Committee hearing date is on the 9th.
Senator Rice released a statement in response to Governor Murphy’s support for marijuana decrim, saying ‘we have moved mountains since Phil Murphy came into office’ on the issue. Senator Scutari says that decrim could complicate the legalization ballot question, according to Politico NJ.
Senator Vitale released a statement on the expansion of the state’s statute of civil limitations, which went into effect on Dec. 1st, calling it a ‘milestone’.
A group of independent contractors will attend the Senate Labor Committee hearing on Thursday to voice opposition to the independent contractor legislation.
NJ Chamber Foundation President Custard joined a panel on tackling workforce development.
ICYMI: Sweeney slammed Murphy for ‘playing politics‘ on school funding, Murphy had dismissed Sweeney’s cap relief plan; new Horizon bill could spark a battle; Dunn sworn-in to office; Testa will be sworn-in next week; state police removed activists; Assembly passed NJDOH $9.5M supplement
In Newark, pioneering politician and leader Calvin West passed away, according to TAPinto; he was the city’s first African-American councilman. Essex County Executive DiVincenzo mourned West, saying he was ‘always looking out for the Newark, the community he loved’. Governor Murphy said he ‘met Calvin long before I ran for governor, but when I did he gave me advice when few others cared and handed down some tough love when he thought it was needed’. LG Oliver said West was a ‘civil rights leader‘ and ‘believed in working from within the system to make change and lift black communities’. Senate President Sweeney lauded West as having ‘helped shape the modern history of Newark as a leader and a constant champion for the city’s progress’. Senator Codey hailed West as a ‘trailblazer’. Senator Ruiz called him a ‘stalwart‘ and a ‘no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is person’.
In Bridgewater, former CD12 Rep. Mike Pappas will serve as township administrator for incoming Mayor Moench.
In Hoboken, politico Frank Raia was sentenced to 3-months in prison and a $50k fine for VBM fraud, with one supporter saying ‘Jesus only had one Judas, Raia had three’, referencing the trial where former allies testified against him. Judge Martini noted the letters of support for Raia and urged him to appeal the decision. The council plans to vote on a measure to increase the city’s affordable housing portion from 10% to 15%, according to the Jersey Journal.
In Jersey City, Friends of Liberty State Park head Sam Pesin is a chief advocate for Liberty State Park, as several proposals have been made regarding Liberty State Park over the years, including a current proposal moving forward in the Legislature to protect the park.
In Atlantic City (and Pleasantville), a judge granted recount requests for the AC Ward 5 council race and Pleasantville BOE race, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Dover, volunteers are preparing to bring back the Christmas parade that was cancelled by Mayor Dodd, who lost in November’s election, according to the Daily Record.
In Bernards Township, the township banned vape and smoke shops, according to TAPinto.
In Bayonne, a judge ruled that 7-years of cell phone ‘sexts’ are admissible in an ongoing civil suit against Mayor Davis by an ex-city employee, according to Hudson County View.
In Paterson, the city awarded nearly $500k in legal contracts, according to Paterson Times.
In Jersey City, Mayor Fulop announced a series of events to kick off the holiday season.
In Long Hill, the BOE will meet less often next year, according to NJ Hills.
ICYMI: Murphy admin announced $161.25M in muni aid; in Sayreville, Rittenhouse filed recount petition; in Paterson, Akhter organized turkey drive; in Boonton, Cabana will take job as administrator
AROUND THE WEB:
A young conservative Democrat says this years legislative races should be a wake-up call for Murphy
Evan F. Grollman
- It’s no secret that New Jersey is pretty darn blue. However, we can be as red as strep throat under certain circumstances. Democrats might be retaining the Assembly this year, but by most people’s estimates going into Election Day, it appears that Democrats underperformed and Republicans performed better than expected.
World AIDS Day is a time to take stock, more than three decades on
Joanna Gagis, NJTV
- This weekend marked World AIDS Day, and some of those involved in the care of people who are HIV-positive observed the occasion Monday by taking stock of what’s changed in the protracted battle against a once-deadly ailment. In New Jersey, where Gov. Phil Murphy has pledged to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2025, nearly 38,000 people are living with the virus, which is now routinely controlled — but not cured — by drug therapies. Worldwide, approximately 37.9 million persons are living with HIV infection, including 1.7 million who were newly infected in 2018.
Lawsuits filed under new child victim law in NJ
David Porter, Associated Press
- A law that was passed by New Jersey in the spring and went into effect Sunday allows child sex abuse victims to sue until they turn 55, or within seven years of their first realization the abuse caused them harm. The previous limit was two years.
Avalon officials told her to cut the vines growing on her house. Now, the case is going to trial.
Allison Steele, Philadelphia Inquirer
- The case of Elaine Scattergood’s leafy green vines vs. the beach town of Avalon is creeping toward trial. Scattergood has been clashing with borough officials all year over the vines that climb the outside of her beach-block home, ever since a code enforcement officer cited her for violating a town ordinance on overgrowth.
‘Unsavory,’ not impeachable: Democratic lawmaker explains why he opposes removing Trump
Ledyard King, USA Today
- Amid glossy photos of prominent politicians adorning Democratic Congressman Jefferson Van Drew’s Capitol Hill office is a framed picture of him with Donald Trump.
Cory Booker Is Begging for Money Again
Caitlin Cruz, Jezebel
- Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) is begging for donations to keep his campaign going. Again. On an appearance on Face The Nation on CBS on Sunday, Booker implored people that if they like his message, their donations are necessary. For a campaign that is resonating, sure seems like a long ask!
Watch: Constituents react to Van Drew’s vote against impeachment inquiry
Joe Lamberti, USA Today
- Rep. Jeff Van Drew is only one of two Democrats in the country to vote against the impeachment inquiry.
Will NJ create a tax deduction to reward charitable giving?
David Levinsky, Burlington County Times
- Legislation to create a New Jersey deduction for charitable donations hasn’t received the same attention as some other measures being considered by lawmakers during the current lame-duck session, but nonprofit advocates say they’re still pushing for its passage.
Anthony Vecchione, njbiz.com
- In no uncertain terms, Bayonne residents have made one thing perfectly clear – don’t mess with their hospital. More than 1,800 residents signed an online petition recently demanding that state and local officials do everything they can to keep CarePoint Health’s Bayonne Medical Center from shutting its doors. On Nov. 21 the Bayonne City Council approved the creation of the Bayonne Municipal Hospital Authority, giving the city government official power to purchase its local hospital’s license if a suitable partner is not found.
Rutgers wants Greg Schiano to help raise the tens of millions needed for new football facilities
Ted Sherman, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- One of the sticking points over Greg Schiano’s contract demands during the negotiations over his return to Rutgers University as head football coach was a commitment to build a new multi-million-dollar football complex as part of his deal.
Rutgers football: Can Greg Schiano and Pat Hobbs coexist? It’s worth a shot
Jerry Carino, Asbury Park Press
- As Rutgers basketball standout Ron Harper Jr. stepped to the free-throw line against UMass Friday, the 5,600 fans in attendance fell into a customary hush so the sophomore could concentrate. Then, just as Harper Jr. launched into his motion, a fan yelled “Hire Schiano!” from the RAC’s upper reaches.
After tumultuous year in a big N.J. town, a new mayor will take the reins
Olivia Rizzo, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- After a tumultuous year and election cycle, Democrat Jeff Martin will be the next mayor of one of New Jersey’s largest towns. Hamilton, a township of about 88,000, has been rocked over the past year by several issues, including quality concerns with the water the town buys from Trenton Water Works, the controversial ongoing attempt to consolidate Hamilton’s fire departments, and a state investigation of the animal shelter, which resulted in charges being filed against two township employees.
Why more Latinos in the U.S. are leaving the Catholic Church for Islam
Hannan Adely, NorthJersey.com
- Luis Lopez battled nerves as he walked to the front of the crowded prayer hall in Union City with his son. Together, they repeated word-for-word in Arabic the Shahada, the profession of faith required to convert to Islam. “There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah,” they declared at the mosque, located in a columned brick building that once housed a Cuban community center.
Issue of nonprofit hospitals payments to municipalities still unsettled in state
Vincent Jackson, Press of Atlantic City
- When people have a medical emergency, those fortunate enough to have a hospital conveniently within the same community can save valuable minutes in travel time when trying to receive help. But, hospitals take a toll on municipal roads with vehicles coming in and out, and they need to be covered by police and fire departments.
Kings of the Pines: Pinelands Commission undertaking study of secretive eastern kingsnakes
David Levinsky, Burlington County Times
- The snake is one of the 22 species of serpents known to call New Jersey home but is arguably its most arcane. Scientists know relatively little about the slithery creature, save that it is powerful non-venomous constrictor that actually eats other snakes, including larger, venomous ones like the timber rattler.
As Schiano returns, Murphy says this is a ‘new era’ for Rutgers football
Brent Johnson, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- Now that Greg Schiano is actually poised to return as Rutgers University’s football coach, Gov. Phil Murphy on Sunday championed the move as good news for New Jersey and welcomed a “new era” in the school’s struggling football program.
These cops owe taxpayers more than $600K | Editorial
Star-Ledger Editorial Board
- The median salary for cops policing Camden, a city that has long grappled with violent crime, is about $60,000. But taxpayers shelled out more than four times that much for some salaries in an unremarkable suburb of Somerset County last year, because the cops can’t even police their own.
Between arrests, Jane Fonda has a date in Morristown
William Westhoven, Morristown Daily Record
- She’s an heir to Hollywood royalty with two Oscars of her own, a cultural icon and a frequent political activist who has been arrested four times since June. Because she has been a celebrity since birth and has tackled global issues head-on for more than half a century, it’s not surprising to learn Jane Fonda has no use for a bucket list.
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