Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 7/8/2019 – InsiderNJ
Below is the Insider NJ Morning Intelligence Briefing for 7/8/2019:
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TOP STORY: In His Letter to County Committee Members, Juliano Notes Reelecting Murphy on His Wish List
Salena Carroll Lesniak, a long-time civil rights champion and the wife of former Senator Ray Lesniak, passed away; the couple had been together for 20 years and were married in 2018. Governor Murphy called her a ‘class act‘ and a ‘champion’. Senate President Sweeney called her a ‘selfless woman who made a real and lasting impact on the lives of so many people in countless ways’. Senator Cryan said her passing is ‘truly heartbreaking‘. NJDSC Chairman Currie lauded her as a ‘change maker‘.
On Independence Day, Governor Murphy announced two initiatives to advance immigrant and refugee integration: the creation of the Office of New Americans and submitting the state’s intent to regain oversight of the state’s refugee resettlement program. The ACLU-NJ applauded the initiatives, as did Make The Road NJ and the NJ Immigrant Alliance.
Governor Murphy signed ‘Linda’s Law’, which requires public utility companies to verify whether life-sustaining devices are used in residences and prohibiting service shut-off for 90 days. He also signed legislation allowing lottery purchases through decoupled debit payment.
AG Grewal joined a multi-state coalition of AGs urging the Supreme Court to rule that the federal sex discrimination ban includes protection from LGBT discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
The Treasury Department launched a new online portal allowing the NJEDA and Division of Taxation to track and monitor the lifespan of a tax credit, regardless of how many times it sold from company to company.
ICYMI: Murphy signed ‘Jake Honig’s Law’; SDA employees filed lawsuit over patronage; Trump congratulates Leg. on budget, Murphy fired back; Murphy signed budget (watch here) with few line-item vetoes; repudiated Leg.(remarks here) and swatted at Sweeney, who criticized Murphy (watch here)
Rep. Sherrill is the wealthiest member of the state’s congressional delegation, according to NJ.com.
In a letter to county committee members ahead of the July 17th convention, presumptive Chairman Juliano noted his support for re-election Governor Murphy in 2021. Last week, the Governor cozied up to Juliano.
The names in the game for Morris County prosecutor.
‘Just The Facts NJ’ will file paperwork with ELEC to register as an independent expenditure committee with the goal of combating Democratic special interest money and maintain and expand the Assembly GOP.
Essex County Executive DiVincenzo penned an op-ed in the Star-Ledger defending his administration’s handling of issues at the ICE detention center.
The Union County Democrats elected their executive board.
Sussex County Democratic Chair Rotondi endorsed NJSDC Chairman Currie.
Former Monmouth County Board of Taxation Chairwoman Annie Grant passed away.
ICYMI: Morris Wyoming question; LD25 already-percolating; leg.candidates have $3.4M COH post-primary; Sherrill’s town hall; Booker slaps at Biden; CD5 animated town hall; Murphy’s tele-town hall; the Morris unity breakfast
The Treasury Department released a list of organizations and programs whose funding has been frozen by Governor Murphy to ‘ensure the state budget remains in balance’ (see the list here). The frozen funds, totaling $235M, include $14.7M from the South Jersey Cancer Program at Cooper University Hospital, $4M from Turtle Back Zoo, $1M from the Battleship NJ Museum, $104.8M from transitional aid to localities, $1M from the NJ Re-Entry Corp, $7M from Rowan University’s Cooper Medical School, among others. Senate President Sweeney blistered the Governor over the frozen funds, calling it ‘Bridgegate on steroids‘ and a ‘artificial freeze that is entirely about politics and nothing about finances’. Assembly Majority Leader Greenwald lambasted the South Jersey Cancer Program freeze, saying it will ‘become more punitive than productive as time goes on’. Cooper University Hospital’s VP of Communications and Marketing Thomas Rubino called it ‘inexplicable‘ and noted that East Orange General Hospital’s $15M grant wasn’t frozen, adding – sarcastically – that ‘it is good to know New Jersey tax dollars will support California private equity millionaires [LA-based Prospect Medical Holdings] at the expense of a not-for profit cancer center in our state’. The Sierra Club blasted the freezing of $12M for urban parks and programs, calling it ‘holding people and children hostage’ from a ‘recreational standpoint’.
Senator Weinberg called for the removal of Judges Troiano and Silver in Middlesex and Monmouth Counties over their handling of two child rape cases, following the reporting of the accounts in a New York Times article. Assemblywoman Vainieri Huttle penned an open letter to one of the victims. Senators Smith, Vitale, and Scutari submitted a formal complaint to the Judicial Conduct Advisory Committee requesting an immediate investigation into Judge Silva. The National Organization of Women-NJ released a statement calling for the judges’ removal.
Senate President Sweeney penned an op-ed in the Star-Ledger on the FY2020 budget, writing that Governor Murphy supported unions and fringe groups, while the Legislature ‘worked for everyone’.
Governor Murphy hired Evan Weiss as senior advisor on public finance.
Senator Pennacchio released a statement calling for action on legislation prohibiting ‘golden parachute’ payouts to departing university faculty.
The NJDOL recovered $133k in unpaid back wages for nine employees of R and J Supermarket, Corp.
The NJ Outdoor Alliance released a statement condemning attempts to change firearms ID card regulations.
ICYMI: Coughlin requests Murphy intervene to stop NDNJ attacks; Moms Demand Action converged at Statehouse; Sweeney couldn’t interest caucus in SDA committee subpoena power; Holley expressed disappointment w/ ‘miscalculated political civil war‘; progressives rallied at Statehouse
In Vernon, Mayor Shortway won’t run for re-election as mayor, opting instead to run for council this fall, according to NJ Herald.
In Elizabeth, over 300 people rallied at the ICE detention center to call for its closing, according to TAPinto.
In Camden and Atlantic City, 75 fugitives were apprehended as part of the summer anti-violence initiative of the US Marshal’s Office.
In Camden, the grandson of Council President Jenkins was kidnapped and killed, according to the Courier Post; Governor Murphy released a statement mourning his loss and recommitting efforts to Camden.
In Princeton, local and county officials denied a request for public records relating to the illegal dumping scandal, according to PlanetPrinceton. A contractor sued the town, saying they were following an order from an official when dumping on town property.
In Pleasantville, the BOE made additional staff cuts, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Willingboro, Sharon Rogers was named the new township manager, according to the Burlington County Times.
In Prospect Park, the schools business administrator Louis Turco says he was forced out by the BOE, according to NorthJersey.com.
In North Arlington, a judge ruled against the municipality’s OPRA fees, according to the Bergen Record.
In Paterson, Mayor Sayegh secured council backing for a $70.7M temporary budget, according to Paterson Times. Several council members took issue with their photo being used on the ‘One Paterson’ website, according to the Paterson Press.
In Old Bridge, the council opposes drivers’ licenses for undocumented immigrants, according to MyCentralJersey. Mayoral candidate Councilman Merwin released a statement advocating for the reinstatement of the Aggressive Driving program.
In Hoboken, Frank Rosner announced his candidacy for 6th Ward Council.
In Warren Township, Rick de Pinho announced his independent candidacy for township committee, according to TAPinto.
In Trenton, Mayor Gusciora announced his summer schedule.
In Flemington, the Union Hotel owner filed a lawsuit against the ‘Friends of Flemington’ over ‘malicious’ litigation, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Jersey City, AirBnB advocates are pushing for a ballot question on short-term rental rules, according to Hudson County View.
AROUND THE WEB:
LETTER: Raia verdict shows its time to declare an independent Hoboken Housing Authority
Hudson County View
- In a letter to the editor, Hoboken Housing Authority Vice Chairman James Sanford says that Frank Raia’s conviction of vote-by-mail fraud shows it’s time to declare an independent HHA.
Doug Steinhardt
- On June 20, 2019, legislative Democrats captured the state budget and held it hostage. Then, on June 30, Gov. Phil Murphy signed the ransom note, a $38.7 billion behemoth that did nothing to address the state’s pension crisis, reduce spending or provide meaningful tax relief.
Sen. Rice’s Fourth of July message: Let’s decriminalize marijuana now New Jersey
Sen. Ronald Rice
- It never fails. The Fourth of July could make me cry. After a day of joking and laughing with family and friends, there comes a time during the fireworks when all kinds of emotions arise in my chest. They spring from a place of tenderness for this country, a deep connection to its past and desperate hopes for its future.
After this move by Gov. Murphy, it’s “No More Mr. Nice Guy” for Steve Sweeney | Mulshine
Paul Mulshine, Star-Ledger
- There was a day last week when Gov. Phil Murphy set aside all the infighting that infected the Statehouse in the recent budget fight. That was on Tuesday, when he signed a medicinal-marijuana bill at an event at a restaurant in Freehold.
South Beach at Long Branch: A Miami vision for the Jersey Shore
Linda Lindner, njbiz.com
- The city of Long Branch is experiencing a revitalization. The Monmouth County city has been known as a beach resort town since the late 18th century and it was actually named for its location along a branch of the South Shrewsbury River. The renewal of Long Branch started over 10 years ago when Pier Village was built on the oceanfront in 2005 as a replacement for the burnt-out Long Branch Pier.
Former Ridgewood mayor appointed to be NJ’s advocate for individuals with disabilities
North Jersey
- Photo gallery – former Ridgewood mayor appointed to be NJ’s advocate for individuals with disabilities.
The 1950s live on in Middlesex County exhibit
Lauren Wanko, NJTV
- There’s a place in New Jersey where you can step back in time into a midcentury living room. “These are iconic pieces from the time period. They really scream out the 1950s,” said Middlesex County Office of Arts and History Division Head Mark Nonestied. It’s part of “Midcentury New Jersey: the Garden State in the 1950s,” a new exhibit at the Cornelius Low House Middlesex County Museum.
Trenton law director says city ‘not in a good place’ after outside legal contracts expire
Isaac Avilucea, The Trentonian
- Maybe Kathy McBride, Esq., can get a job in the law department. Dozens of legal contracts worth about $2 million the city had with law firms handling specialized litigation expired June 30, putting a strain on the city’s already-overextended law department, city officials said.
Nike Betsy Ross sneakers should go to homeless veterans, not go to waste, candidate says
Joseph P. Smith, Vineland Daily Journal
- Thousands of United States flag-decorated sneakers recalled by Nike should be salvaged as a donation for the homeless and, in particular, homeless veterans, according to New Jersey Senate candidate Michael Testa Jr.
Edison committee investigating racist campaign fliers meets July 8
Nick Muscavage, Bridgewater Courier News
- The township committee formed to investigate racist campaign fliers mailed during the 2017 election will meet again Monday. The committee, formed and controlled by members of the township council, was created to investigate the campaign fliers mailed to residents shortly before the 2017 school board election. Through state statute, the committee can utilize the power of subpoena.
N.J. American Water wraps up $1.4M deal for Mt. Ephraim sewer system
Eric Strauss, roi-nj.com
- New Jersey American Water has completed its $1.4 million acquisition of the Mount Ephraim wastewater assets, it announced recently. The Camden-based utility company said it purchased the borough-owned sewer system, which serves approximately 1,800 customers — most of whom get their water service from New Jersey American Water.
Cannabis-based CBD grows vogue despite gov’t tests
James McGinnis, Burlington County Times
- Cannabidiol is legal when it contains less than 0.3 percent tetrahydrocannabinol. But no government agency tests products to ensure you won’t get high or fail a drug test at work.
Toms River downtown could get more than 500 apartments, stores, restaurant
Jean Mikle, Asbury Park Press
- More than 500 apartments, retail space and a restaurant are part of an ambitious redevelopment plan for two parking lots in the township’s downtown area. The Township Council approved a resolution June 25 to designate Capodagli Property Co. as the redeveloper for two Toms River-owned parking lots on Irons and Water streets.
Greystone doctor: Staff can’t stop violent patient ‘rampages’
William Westhoven, Morristown Daily Record
- An on-call psychiatrist at Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital testified Wednesday that staff at the state-run facility in Parsippany are afraid of violent patients committed there, and are unable to stop their “psychiatrically decompensated rampages.”
Somerset County official an Amazon Top 100 author
Cheryl Makin, Bridgewater Courier News
- Because romance can happen anywhere, Kathryn Quick bases many of her novels in small towns — think Hillsborough or her adopted hometown of Manville. Never lacking in inspiration, the environment, sports teams, TV shows, travel, a crush on a musician and a comment here and there have all sparked a tale for her to tell.
Medicinal marijuana: The beginning of the end of the ‘government knows best’ era? Mulshine
Paul Mulshine, Star-Ledger
- It’s always fun to witness what happens when society as a whole recognizes that the government has gotten things really wrong for a really long time.
Gov. Phil Murphy tours Camden amid tax-credit controvers
Tim Tai, Philadelphia Inquirer
- Amid controversy over tax breaks, Gov. Phil Murphy toured Camden, N.J., to listen to residents’ concerns about not benefiting from corporate development on Thursday, July 4, 2019.
Teenager Accused of Rape Deserves Leniency Because He’s From a ‘Good Family,’ Judge Says
Luis Ferré-Sadurní, NY Times
- The 16-year-old girl was visibly intoxicated, her speech slurred, when a drunk 16-year-old boy sexually assaulted her in a dark basement during an alcohol-fueled pajama party in New Jersey, prosecutors said.
Booker travels to Mexico to view border crisis up close. ‘It is truly a crisis.’
Jonathan D. Salant, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- A day after offering a detailed proposal to overhaul U.S. immigration policy, U.S. Sen. Cory Booker spent Wednesday observing how the current system works, crossing into the Mexico to help five women make legal pleas for asylum in the U.S.
Marketing Trenton’s past will deliver unimagined revitalization for the future
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- While education must serve as the main foundation for a real revitalization of Trenton, this capital city could create a major comeback by marketing history.
PROFILE: First Latina Takes Key Role in NJ Law, Finds Time to Juggle Plenty More
Colleen O’Dea, NJ Spotlight
- Evelyn Padin, new president of the New Jersey State Bar Association, runs a private practice and a real-estate business; she’s also a restaurant owner.
Sherrill discusses servicewomen caucus, border funding
Michael Aron, NJTV
- Former U.S. Navy pilot and 11th District Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill recently spoke with Chief Political Correspondent Michael Aron about the new Servicewomen and Women Veterans Caucus she helped form to focus on women’s issues in the military, including health care and child care gaps.
Why ex-Horizon exec founded new business in NYC, not N.J.
Anjalee Khemlani, roi-nj.com
- A former Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey executive has started a company that aims to bring value to businesses — largely health insurers — looking at data of their customers … but it isn’t based in New Jersey. No stranger to entrepreneurship, Minal Patel, former senior vice president and chief strategy officer of Horizon, has started a couple of companies in the past. One was based in Hoboken and another in Springfield. But Abacus Insights, the latest, is based in New York City.
Select Barnegat Voters Redistricted – More May Come in 2021
Stephanie A. Faughnan, TAPinto Barnegat
- Jason Varano, a supervisor with the Election Board of Ocean County, addressed Barnegat’s Township Committee last night concerning the redistricting of select Barnegat voters. More may come in 2021, after completion of the federal government’s 2020 Census.
GOP Assembly candidate asks Nike to donate flag sneakers
Michelle Brunetti Post, Press of Atlantic City
- Republican 1st Legislative District Senate candidate Mike Testa Jr. is calling on Nike to donate its unsold Betsy-Ross flag sneakers to the homeless…
Middle approves mandatory connection ordinance for Del Haven water
Bill Barlow, For The Press
- The Township Committee on Monday passed an ordinance mandating about 1,000 homeowners in and around the Del Haven section of the township connect to Lower Township’s water system.
Frank Kummer, Philadelphia Inquirer
- The Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery operations, part of which exploded and burned June 21 in South Philadelphia, has for decades sat atop plumes of underground water lurking beneath the sprawling 1,400-acre site and beyond.
Is New Jersey closed for business? Tax incentive and jobs programs expire as Murphy, top Dems brawl.
Matt Arco, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- The sign along New Jersey’s border pointed at outside businesses looking to establish a foothold here is a single word: Closed. One of the casualties of the Democratic civil war that broke out following the controversy over a tax credit program has been powerful tools to lure new businesses to New Jersey.
N.J. judge cited good grades and Eagle Scout status of teen accused of sexual assault
Anna Orso, Philadelphia Inquirer
- A state appeals court recently chided a New Jersey judge who last year ruled to keep a teenager — accused of sexually assaulting a girl at a pajama party and filming it — in the juvenile system, at one point citing the boy’s “good family,” high test scores, and status as an Eagle Scout.
In Trenton, There’s Agreement on One Form of Tax Break, At Least
John Reitmeyer, NJ Spotlight
- Gov. Phil Murphy and lawmakers remain locked in a bitter dispute over New Jersey’s main economic-development tax-incentive programs, but they were able to reach agreement on expanding a lesser-known tax break that’s designed to encourage investment in emerging, tech-based businesses.
Pallone says battle against offshore drilling in a ‘state of limbo’
Michael Hill, NJTV
- Rep. Frank Pallone says that the battle against the Trump Administration’s push for seismic blasting and drilling for oil and gas in the Atlantic Ocean is in a “state of limbo.” This comes after the Trump administration’s appeal of a federal judge blocking it from reopening the Obama-era 5-year plan to make oil and natural gas drilling in the Atlantic Ocean off limits.
NJ tax breaks often get bought by companies that were never approved to win them
Ashley Balcerzak, North Jersey Record
Unlike other corporations awarded tax breaks, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield — New Jersey’s largest health insurer — didn’t go through the months-long application process that ends with a public vote before winning a major financial
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