Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 6/3/2020 – InsiderNJ
Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for 6/9/2020:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Photographic and written evidence on social media indicates that one Philip Dunton Murphy of Middletown openly and brazenly defied Executive Order 148 by purposely, repeatedly, and wantonly associating with others in groups of greater than 25 individuals, and aiding and abetting such behavior.” – Assemblyman Webber in a letter to State Police Colonel Callahan calling for enforcement of the Governor’s violation of his own executive order
TOP STORY: AG’s Office Releases Audio and Video Recordings Related to Police Custody Killing of Maurice Gordon
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Governor Murphy and state officials held their daily COVID-19 briefing, during which he announced that municipal and private-club pools can reopen on June 22nd (iLine post). The Governor was repeatedly pressed by reporters regarding his participation in Black Lives Matter protests over the weekend, in which he is seen evidently defying his own social distancing orders. Noting that the difference between indoor and outdoor activities, Murphy said the ‘moment is bigger I think than any of us right now’ and that the ‘challenge is social distancing’, ‘not masks’. Pressed further, Murphy said ‘I’ve already addressed this’ and that its ‘up to local law enforcement in any event‘. Republicans pounced on his participation: Assemblyman Webber chastised Governor Murphy for breaking his own COVID-19 social distancing requirement (iLine post); he sent a letter to State Police Colonel Callahan requesting he enforce the Governor’s own executive orders and issue an enforcement action. Senator Pennacchio called it Murphy’s ‘let them eat cake‘ moment, while Senator Bucco and Assemblywoman Dunn said ‘we should all be outraged‘ at Murphy’s ‘do as I say, not as I do’ edict. Senator Oroho and Assemblyman Space and Wirths blasted the Governor, with Space saying the First Amendment is ‘for everyone’ and ‘not limited to those Murphy deems essential to his re-election’. NJGOP Chairman Steinhardt slammed the Governor as a ‘political opportunist’.
The AG’s Office released audio and video recordings of the police custody killing of Maurice Gordon from late May; Gordon, who was unarmed, was shot and killed by a State Trooper in Bass River on the Garden State Parkway. Senator Rice and the Legislative Black Caucus demanded Governor Murphy ensure a transparent and thorough investigation into Gordon’s death; Rice said that the Governor’s ‘silence must end now‘.
NJ Transit launched a ten-year strategic plan and complementary five-year capital plan.
Twelve COVID-19 cases in PA have been linked to Jersey Shore ‘house gatherings’, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Passaic County announced at-home COVID-19 testing for residents.
Sussex County will allow outdoor dining for the remainder of the year, according to NJ Herald.
A Monmouth University national poll finds the American public almost evenly divided on President Trump’s executive order on social media bias.
Senator Menendez co-sponsored the Justice in Policing Act sponsored by Senator Booker.
Rep. Sires co-sponsored the Justice in Policing Act.
The NJLGBT Chamber of Commerce is hosting a virtual Pride celebration on June 25th.
ICYMI: Murphy announced nomination of Fabiana Pierre-Louis to Supreme Cour; weekly update of enforcement actions; state trooper arrested for stalking motorist; Murphy extended state emergency; Assembly passed COVID-19 Emergency Bond Act; Trump cancelled planned trip to Bedminster; Murphy announces LTC recommendations from rapid review, announced protocols for outdoor dining; businesses held a rally; Sherrill glad King defeated; Murphy defended admin, pushed back against critics, denounced Trump photo-op as disgraceful; state will enter ‘Stage 2’ of reopening, Murphy expressed support for protests; Murphy: ‘George Floyd should be alive today‘, Callahan made strong case for community policing, Grewal: state ‘would never tolerate the police practices that resulted in Mr. Floyd’s death’
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Follow Insider NJ’s iLine feature, a real-time blog that will give you continuous updates from around the state.
An Essex insider says Governor Murphy should stop with the ‘Jerry Lewis telethon’ daily briefings (iLine post).
In CD2, Democratic primary candidate Amy Kennedy was endorsed by Martin Luther King III. Candidate Brigid Harrison praised Senator Booker’s Justice in Policing Act.
In CD3, the GOP primary intensifies as candidate Richter slams rival Gibbs in a mailer (iLine post).
In CD5, Rep. Gottheimer announced a ‘Women for Josh’ Advisory Council. GOP primary candidate Frank Pallotta was endorsed by Assemblywoman DeCroce.
In CD9, Democratic primary candidate Alp Basaran revised his debate challenge to Rep. Pascrell, calling for an in-person debate.
Former Governor Christie registered as a lobbyist in Washington DC, according to NJ.com.
Three more women have alleged inappropriate conduct by Warren County Democratic Chairman Palmieri, according to Politico NJ.
ICYMI: Hamm, Hoffman expressed concern w/ NJ Nat’l Guard in DC; Mitchell spearheading effortc for Bergen at-large freeholders; Hudson’s Bertoli charged; Torch and Gee joust (iLine post); GOP Sen. candidates spoke at rally
Senator Ruiz pressed NJDOE Commissioner Repollet on resources provided to students during the COVID-19 pandemic, expressing frustration with the lack of technological access for families.
Senator Turner is introducing legislation to classify chokeholds as deadly force.
Senator Holzapfel and Assemblymen McGuckin and Catalano urged Governor Murphy to allow businesses to reopen before this coming weekend.
Senator Oroho urged Governor Murphy to allow businesses to reopen, warning against the state lagging behind peer states.
Assemblywoman McKnight is proposing legislation to require updated ‘use of force’ policies for law enforcement agencies throughout the state and require a civilian complaint review board in each municipality.
Assemblymen DiMaio and Rooney called on the ABC to waive the permit fees for outdoor beverage service upon reopening.
ICYMI: Wimberly memorialized George Floyd; Ellis Smith will serve as Chief Policy Advisor; Freiman talks with Insider NJ; Colligan supports Bond Act; Murphy took action on legislation; Muoio testified before Asm. Budget; Wimberly mourned death of Floyd, Rice says Chauvin ‘deserves gas chamber‘
In Newark, Mayor Baraka says he will ask the council to approve an ordinance banning white supremacy groups from the city.
In Woodbridge, former Mayor DeMarino passed away.
In Paterson, one vote separates incumbent Councilman Khalique and challenger Akhtaruzzaman following the recount (iLine post). BOE Commissioner Martinez was accused of sexual harassment in a lawsuit by a social worker, according to Paterson Times. The BOE is looking to borrow over $23M for expenses, according to Paterson Times. Parents and residents penned a letter in support of BOE Member Capers.
In Randolph, the tennis center owner who was cited for holding a rally in support of reopening businesses has vowed to fight back, according to the Daily Record.
In Evehsam, Mark Natale was elected Democratic Chairman (iLine post).
In Hawthorne, hundreds protested the George Floyd killing on Sunday, according to TAPinto.
In Dunellen, the council voted in favor of a reopening plan for downtown businesses.
In Jersey City, the city will launch the nation’s first inner city vertical farming program.
In Atlantic City, Mayor Small approved open alcohol on the boardwalk, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Trenton, the city revised its curfew to 10pm to 6am. A former council candidate threatened to sue the city if Mayor Gusciora doesn’t lift the curfew, according to the Trentonian.
In Hoboken, the city is being sued over its affordable housing exemption, according to the Jersey Journal.
In Readington, the town is considering age-restricted affordable housing zoning, according to NJ Hills.
In Newton, a rally calling for the state’s reopening is being planned, according to NJ Herald.
ICYMI: Mayors take action to ease restrictions; in Newark, history-making generation looks toward living history; in JC, city announced amendments to ‘use of force; in Montclair, Baskerville wants recount (iLine post); in AC, Morshed endorses Small (iLine); in Orange, Marable wants recount (iLine ); in Paterson, activists rallied (iLine); in Trenton, violence erupted following protest
AROUND THE WEB:
How We Got Here: New Jersey’s Long Record of Not Putting Enough Money by for a Rainy Day
John Reitmeyer, NJ Spotlight
- New Jersey is slashing funding for property-tax relief, getting ready to defer public-worker pension-system payments and holding aid for K-12 school districts flat, all in response to steep revenue losses caused by the ongoing pandemic.
N.J. political leader says she was harassed. Now, women are clashing over how to respond.
Kelly Heyboer and Susan K. Livio, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- Sussex County Democratic leader Katie Rotondi says her counterpart in neighboring Warren County made her uncomfortable from the day they first met for breakfast in a local diner last year.
A sign of progress in the coronavirus pandemic: More trains and buses will run
Larry Higgs, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- The signs of a regional economy slowly building to a post-coronavirus normal continued Monday as New York City moved to its first phase of reopening, and commuter agencies including NJ Transit responded by announcing more rail and bus service.
NJ movie theater, diner open up in defiance of Murphy order
Dan Alexander, NJ1015
- Two more New Jersey businesses have gone public with their defiance of Gov. Phil Murphy’s executive orders — a movie theater and diner that have both opened before the state’s allowing either. Theaters have been closed since March, when Murphy issued an executive order that shut down or restricted most entertainment, dining and retail business, in hopes of slowing the spread of the novel coronavirus. Restaurants have been limited to takeout and curbside business only.
HRH brings in former Jersey City Medical Center CEO to oversee potential CarePoint acquisitions
John Heinis, Hudson County View
- Hudson Regional Hospital is upping the ante in their ongoing battle with CarePoint Health, bringing in former Jersey City Medical Center CEO Joseph Scott to oversee their potential hospital transitions in Bayonne and Hoboken.
Matt Rooney, Save Jersey
- As much as Republicans can be a frustratingly self-defeating crew, Save Jerseyans, you can always count on Democrats to take it too far and jump the shark. The latest example: a growing movement to “defund the police” which appears to be picking up steam in places including New York City and Minneapolis.
This NJ man beat the odds and survived after weeks on a ventilator. Now’s the hard part
Lindy Washburn, NorthJersey.com
- Christopher Yuen was so sure he’d be in and out of the emergency room quickly that he left his car in a no parking zone behind the hospital.
New Jersey’s diverse food sources one safeguard against shortages
Vernon Ogrodnek, For The Press
- Reports of food shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic are not hard to find. But for every story about hoarding or a meat shortage, there are reports of farmers dumping millions of gallons of milk or plowing over vegetable crops.
Family files $10 million wrongful death lawsuit in 2018 Deptford strip mall shooting by police
Melanie Burney, Philadelphia Inquirer
- The family of a suspected shoplifter who was fatally shot by a Deptford Township police officer in 2018 while allegedly trying to flee a South Jersey strip mall has filed a $10 million wrongful death lawsuit, contending the deadly police action was “unreasonable and unjustifiable.”
Reopening NJ: Residents desperate for details, but Murphy keeps decisions close to the vest | Stile
Charles Stile, NorthJersey.com
- Harry Hurley, a popular Atlantic City talk show host and former casino executive, pressed Gov. Phil Murphy last month to commit to reopening casinos within a few weeks. Murphy refused. “I don’t want to marry myself,” Murphy said. “I hope it’s that. It’s something we are taking extremely seriously. I’ll leave it at that.”
How Cory Booker wants to change policing in America
Associated Press
- A sweeping overhaul of police oversight and procedures is being proposed by Democrats — and co-sponsored by New Jersey’s U.S. Sen. Cory Booker — in response to the deaths of black Americans at the hands of law enforcement, according to a draft outline obtained by The Associated Press. The Justice in Policing Act, to be unveiled Monday, would limit legal protections for police, create a national database of excessive-force incidents and ban police choke holds, among other changes. It is the most ambitious changes to law enforcement sought by Congress in years.
Opinion: Sweeney, Coughlin Are Still on the Same Page Even if Temporarily on Different Paragraphs
Carl Golden, NJ Spotlight
- To all those tea leaf readers who inhabit New Jersey’s political/media world, the difference of opinion between the Legislature’s presiding officers over the Murphy administration’s borrowing plan is neither serious nor long-lasting and is certainly not indicative of an early fracturing of the unity which has prevailed since 2017.
Murphy and lawmakers still must answer for nursing home decisions | Editorial
Star-Ledger Editorial Board
- When the virus hit, our nursing homes were the softest targets. It invaded most of our 670 facilities with a ferocious countenance and found a vulnerable senior population to attack, in a setting known for weak staffing standards, equipment shortages, infection control lapses, and lax oversight.
Phillipsburg protests racism, police violence, as demonstrations spread to smaller towns (PHOTOS)
Kurt Bresswein, For lehighvalleylive.com
- Carrie Stepney was silent, only for a moment, as she asked those gathered Saturday in Phillipsburg’s Shappell Park to remember those lost to the coronavirus.
Jayed Rahman, Paterson Times
- A controversial proposed salary range ordinance will allow mayor Andre Sayegh to increase his salary from $119,000 to $150,000. But the mayor says he has no plans to boost his own pay. “I am not interested in nor am I seeking an increase. I intend to maintain my salary for as long as I am Mayor,” said Sayegh on Friday morning. “In fact, that range will be removed.”
Extended Interview: An extraordinary look at policing and race relations in Newark
Michael Hill, NJTV
- Correspondent Michael Hill sits down with Newark Police Captain Brian O’Hara and Federal Monitor Peter Harvey for a no holds barred look at policing and race relations in Newark in the wake of George Floyd’s killing and protests.
Gabrielle Saulsbery, NJBIZ.com
- Come June 15, restaurant owners will have to make a lot out of a little: capacity limits on outdoor seating and eventually indoor seating are expected across New Jersey, which could reduce sales. At the same time, the cost of doing business is growing. “It has to do with staffing. The biggest story is eliminating the ability to use your restaurant. Having a moratorium or a mandate that only allows you to use 25 percent of your restaurant doesn’t make it viable.
Reopening NJ: Without contact tracing plan, here’s what local health departments want to see
Ashley Balcerzak, NorthJersey.com
- As New Jersey residents crowd city and suburban streets to protest systemic racism and the governor slowly relaxes his stay-at-home order, more people are coming into contact with one another, increasing their risk for contracting the coronavirus.
Rutgers agrees to some furloughs as unions fight layoffs
Bob Makin, Bridgewater Courier News
- A furlough program for 450 employees has been tentatively agreed to by one of 19 unions that formed a coalition to defend jobs lost and threatened at Rutgers University, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) locals 888 and 1761 announced.
Murphy walking tightrope between encouraging activists, maintaining public health
Sam Sutton, Politico
- New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has spent three months warning residents to avoid large gatherings at all cost. No more. The gravity of the country’s most recent reckoning with 400 years of systemic racism has made it impossible for tens of thousands of New Jerseyans to adhere to his stay-at-home orders, Murphy said Monday.
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