N.J. is an innovation state…in bribery methods – Politico

Gov. Phil Murphy wants to reclaim New Jersey’s status as an “innovation state” and the Attorney General’s Office has stepped up to the plate.

In yesterday’s bust of five current and former elected officials and candidates, we learned that the Attorney General’s informant passed $10,000 in $100 bills to a former Democratic candidate for Morris County freeholder in a take-out coffee cup. (The AG didn’t specify what kind of coffee cup, but let’s just imagine it’s Dunkin Donuts so we can say “New Jersey runs on Dunkin”).

To my knowledge, that is a new way to deliver a bribe, and it fits in well with New Jersey’s diner and quick breakfast culture. Sure, a decade ago Solomon Dwek passed a box of Apple Jacks stuffed with $97,000 to a money-launderer, but that itself wasn’t a bribe and it was in Brooklyn. We’re finally catching up.

There were several remarkable things about this corruption bust. For one, it was bipartisan. And while two of the defendants are from Hudson County, which we’re all used to seeing, three are from Morris County. That doesn’t happen often. While the informant wasn’t named, the Attorney General’s Office mentions that he was seeking to be reappointed as Mount Arlington borough counsel and as Morris County counsel. It’s worth nothing that Morristown attorney Matthew O’Donnell (no relation to the arrested former assemblyman Jason O’Donnell) was at the time Mount Arlington’s borough counsel and in January 2019 was listed as a special assistant counsel in Morris County. He did not return a phone call I made to his office at around noon yesterday.

Read more about the whole thing here.

TIPS: mfriedman@politico.com

PROGRAMMING NOTE — New Jersey Playbook is taking the holidays off. I’ll still be working, so feel free to call or email. But Playbook won’t be back in your inbox until Monday, January 6. Enjoy celebrating whatever it is you celebrate. Or do nothing. Just be admirable, not impish.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “You have my undying support.” — Rep. Jeff Van Drew to President Trump

TWEET OF THE DAY — @KFaulders: “Just asked Van Drew about this. ‘I don’t know if I said..did I say undying? I don’t think it was undying. I usually don’t speak that way. I said I think you have my support. And he does.’ (Note: he definitely said Trump has his ‘undying support.’)”

HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi, NJ Spotlight’s John Reitmeyer, Stockton’s John Froonjian. Sunday for, NJ Advance Media’s Mark Di Ionno, attorney Adam Malamut, The Star-Ledger’s Tom Moran, Princeton’s Udi Ofer. Monday for Attorney/public affairs man Alan Zakin. Wednesday for Nazareth activist Jesus Christ. Thursday for attorney Ian Linker, former Sussex Freeholder Richard Vohden. Friday for NJDWSC’s Tim Eustace, Assembly Dem staffer Mark Iaconelli. 12/29 for former APP columnist John Schoonejongen, UTCA’s Dan Kennedy. 12/30 for Edison Dem chair Shariq Ahmad. 12/31 for Assemblyman Rob Clifton, Ocean Dem Chair/Awesome Name Guy Wyatt Earp. 1/1 for Sen. Robert Menendez, Assemblyman Adam Taliaferro, GOP donor Munr Kazmir. 1/3 for Assemblywoman Gabriela Mosquera. 1/5 for Saker Shoprites’ Amanda Gasperino De Palma

DAYS MURPHY HAS SPENT OUT OF STATE SINCE BECOMING DGA CHAIR: 2

WHERE’S MURPHY? — No public schedule

LICENSE TO DRIVE — Murphy signs bill allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses by POLITICO’s Katherine Landergan: Gov. Phil Murphy on Thursday signed into law a bill that will enable undocumented immigrants to obtain driver‘s licenses, officially ending a yearslong campaign to give potentially hundreds of thousands of people in New Jersey the legal authority to drive. “Many immigrant residents are already behind the wheel and on our roads, going to work and school, or simply going to the grocery store,” Murphy said to cheers ahead of the bill signing at Make the Road New Jersey in Elizabeth. “You haven’t been asking for special treatment. You’ve been asking us to acknowledge reality.”

THIS MIGHT HURT A LITTLE — “What happens when a health plan has no limits? An acupuncturist earns $677 a session,” by ProPublica’s Marshall Allen: “Unbeknownst to most of the 158,000 active and retired New Jersey school employees covered by the state’s School Employees’ Health Benefits Program — about a third of the state’s districts — their benefit plan has a lucrative carveout for out-of-network providers. And it’s a big one: The teachers’ plan will cover virtually anything they charge … More than 70 acupuncturists and physical therapists earned more than $200,000 in 2018 from their teacher clients alone, the data shows. The services of one acupuncturist brought in more than $1 million. The state paid Thompson Healthcare & Sports Medicine, with 10 clinics along the Jersey Shore, about $11.2 million in 2018 for providing chiropractic services, acupuncture and physical therapy to teachers … The state panel overseeing the benefit plan, made up of six people, half of whom are union members, has done nothing to stop the runaway costs.”

CAMDEN DRAGGING — “George Norcross: I had nothing to do with Sue Altman’s removal from N.J. hearing,” by George Norcross III for The Philadelphia Inquirer: “I want to add my name to the list calling for the release of the full state police investigation into the removal of Sue Altman from last month’s hearing on New Jersey’s economic incentives. Releasing the full report will make it clear that I had nothing to do with Altman’s removal and any contrary allegation is false. Altman should have been given an opportunity to speak about the state’s economic incentive programs, if she had made that request, because everyone should have the opportunity to express their views on important public policy issues. I’d have been interested to hear her recommendations for continuing Camden’s renaissance.”

—“Rise in bias incidents a ‘wake-up call’ after Jersey City, Grewal tells Jewish school”

—“Jersey City mayor: Computer searches by killers show they ‘wanted to do some serious damage’”

—Murphy signs legislation barring racial discrimination based on hairstyle

—“LeRoy Jones’ letter to Democrats”

—“Torrissi will explore ’21 legislative bid in 8th district”

—New Jersey DOE to receive $567K in disaster aid from federal government

—“Undercover informant in N.J corruption sting was well-known attorney, sources say”

DDS FAUSTUS — “Van Drew pledges ‘undying support’ for Trump as he switches parties,” by POLITICO’s Anita Kumar: “Rep. Jeff Van Drew on Thursday formally became a Republican, pledging his ‘undying support’ for Donald Trump as the ex-Democrat sat next to the president in the White House. ‘I believe that this is just a better fit for me,’ Van Drew said, following a meeting with Trump Thursday afternoon. ‘This is who I am.’ Van Drew made the move after breaking with the Democrats on impeachment, voting against both articles Wednesday night. Trump quickly embraced Van Drew, endorsing him on Thursday. Vice President Mike Pence and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy also threw their support behind Van Drew.”

VAN DREW IN THE CASH — On the same day that Van Drew flipped parties, a pro-Trump super PAC, the Committee to Defend the President, plunked down $208,400 on TV ads and $50,000 on online ads to support him in his district. See here. Newly-declared Democratic candidate Brigid Harrison pointed the buy out to me. Her statement: “This money will be spent in Van Drew’s primary against rank and file loyal Republicans who were seeking their party’s nomination to oppose Van Drew….”

— @AmyRosenberg: Jeff Van Drew was a Democrat because early in his career, he told me, a mentor told him to be. Then he was basically given social promotions up the political ladder by the South Jersey Democratic Machine all the way to the House. Now he’s letting it all hang out. Must be a relief

WILL MIKIE EAT THIS VOTE? — “New Jersey’s proud role in the impeachment fight,” by The Star-Ledger’s Tom Moran: “If you’re looking for a hero in all this, start with Sherrill. She was perhaps the most reluctant Democrat of all and rejected calls to open impeachment hearings after Robert Mueller’s report on Russian intervention in the 2016 election … Malinowski’s district voted for Clinton in 2016, but only by a point. He was the first of the four in swing districts to stick out his neck. Kim and Gottheimer both represent districts that voted for Trump in 2016, making this a courageous vote for them as well. It is sad, even pathetic, that Van Drew is choosing to join the Republican Party at a moment like this, when the party has debased itself by its servitude to Trump. Just last month, Van Drew warned of the danger that Republicans might recapture the House. This is one of the most transparently self-serving stunts we’ve seen in years. Smith, who once had an independent streak, has now fallen in line, saying the president’s actions are not serious enough to merit impeachment. The obvious question is this: If cheating on an election is not enough, what is?”

HAMMING IT UP — Booker getting primary challenge for Senate from Sanders supporter, by POLITICO’s Matt Friedman: Cory Booker will have at least one Democratic primary challenger next year for his Senate seat if his presidential campaign doesn’t take off — a Bernie Sanders supporter from his hometown. Lawrence Hamm, a longtime Newark civil rights activist who chairs the People’s Organization for Progress, said Thursday he plans to run for U.S. Senate in the 2020 Democratic primary. Hamm, who announced his plans on social media, said in a brief phone interview he will seek the nomination and wants to appear on the same ballot line as Sanders. “I support Bernie Sanders for president because I believe in the agenda and the platform that he’s running on,” said Hamm, who is the New Jersey chairman for Sanders’ campaign

SENATE DEMS CONSIDER ENLISTING PEPA TO PUSH IT REAL GOOD — SALT relief bill passes House after spicy debate, by POLITICO’s Aaron Lorenzo: The House on Thursday passed legislation to temporarily scrap the $10,000 cap on federal deductions for state and local taxes, or SALT, despite a bit of floor drama ahead of the 218-206 vote. Though 16 Democrats voted against the measure, H.R. 5377 (116), most decided to back the two-year repeal. Supporters, particularly freshmen from districts won by President Donald Trump, argued that it would help Democrats keep the House majority in next year’s elections. But more liberal members loudly voiced misgivings that the deduction’s benefits skew mostly to the wealthy, a point played up by Republicans.

IMMIGRATION — “As Trump tightens refugee rules, North Jersey supper club for refugees still going strong,” by The Record’s Hannan Adely: “Four years ago on Christmas Day, a Montclair synagogue was so moved by the plight of Syrians fleeing civil war that they invited 10 newly-arrived families to dine with their members at a 200-person feast. In the years since, U.S. policy and rhetoric on refugees has gotten far more restrictive under President Donald Trump. But the effort born out of that first holiday dinner has only gained speed. What started as the Syria Supper Club — with hundreds of intimate, shared meals between refugees and local families — has evolved into a nonprofit that serves emigres from 10 different countries. Renamed the United Tastes of America, the group has added programs for clients to earn money and get job training, including corporate catering and holiday sweets sale that runs until Friday.”

—“Tick Act passed by Congress, but how much of $150M goes to Lyme disease research?”

WHY SHOULDN’T THE UBER RICH BE ALLOWED TO TAKE OVER PART OF A PUBLIC PARK FOR A PRIVATE GOLF COURSE? — “The wild acreage in Liberty State Park at center of preservation battle,” by NJTV’s Brenda Flanagan: “The peninsula jutting into New York Harbor looks more like a wild stretch of beach in Cape May, a serene oasis with lapping waves just three miles from downtown Jersey City, in the shadow of the Statue of Liberty. But it’s also the focus of a battle pitting birders, preservationists and some elected officials against billionaire Paul Fireman, who wants the 21-acre Caven Point parcel for a three-hole expansion of his golf club, the exclusive Liberty National Golf Course, which sits right next door. Part of Liberty State Park, the Caven Point property sits between the golf course — a frequent stop on the PGA tour, where television cameras routinely pan out to breathtaking vistas of the New York City skyline — and the harbor shoreline. It’s also a magnet for people and wildlife … ‘This is very frustrating,’ said Sam Pesin of Friends of Liberty State Park. ‘This bill would have been on the governor’s desk right now, would have been voted on two days ago, if it wasn’t for this billionaire wanting to lease away and destroy the Liberty Park Caven Point habitat.’”

FROM NJSEA TO STINKING NJSEA — “NJSEA reaches settlement with Kearny, will close Keegan Landfill,” by The Jersey Journal’s Teri West: “Kearny’s unwavering battle to close and cap the hydrogen sulfide-emitting Keegan Landfill was resolved peacefully Thursday at the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority headquarters, where the state agency unanimously ruled to settle with the town. The resolution, which precedes an imminent legal settlement, will permanently close the landfill, cap it and pay Kearny up to $250,000. Once the landfill is capped, it will be transformed into a passive recreational space with public access to a nearby marsh, the resolution says.”

AND THEN THOMAS WAS ARRESTED — “Jersey City BOE cancels meeting after member’s comments on Jewish community spur ‘security risk’,” by The Jersey Journal’s Joshua Rosario: “The Jersey City Board of Education has canceled Thursday night’s meeting due to potential security risks following controversial comments one of its members made about the city’s Jewish community, Board President Sudhan Thomas said. The board was set to consider a resolution calling for Trustee Joan Terrell-Paige’s resignation for comments she made on Facebook following last week’s deadly attack on a kosher supermarket.”

—“O’Donnell, Thomas vow to fight corruption cases brought forth by state AG’s office”

‘THE TAXES! THE FINGER THING MEANS THE TAXES’ — “Raise taxes or cut sports, clubs? Toms River Regional faces tough budget choices,” by The Asbury Park Press’ Jean Mikle: “A tax increase. Eliminating all sports and extracurricular activities. Charging a fee to families whose children participate in sports, clubs and other programs. At Tuesday night’s Toms River Regional Board of Education meeting, Superintendent David M. Healy described the stark choices that face the school district as preparation of the 2020-2021 budget begins after a $4.3 million state aid cut. The state Legislature has approved a bill that would allow districts, such as Toms River, that have received less state aid to raise taxes above the 2 percent cap, but it is unclear if Gov. Phil Murphy will sign it into law.”

—“Essex County approves civilian panel to review jail housing ICE detainees”

—“NJ cold case: Who strangled Piscataway Township Councilman Jeffrey Suskin to death?”

—“Chesterfield considers Burlington County’s first plastic bag ban”

—“’I want to be the best breast cancer patient ever,’ Fair Lawn councilwoman says”

—“Route 1 corridor in Central Jersey booms with development”

—“Councilman’s widow appointed to fill his seat in North Haledon”

—“‘Not a politician,’ but a leader. [Hunterdon] Freeholder retires after six years”

CHILD-HATING REPORTERS — “Reporters faced resistance at every level when researching series on charter school waste,” by The Asbury Park Press’ Abbott Koloff and Jean Rimbach: “One charter school agreed to give us a tour of its high school but officials abruptly pulled the offer, saying they were advised to have their attorney answer our questions. Officials at another charter school would only allow us to tour an empty school at night — and backed out of an interview when we pressed to have at least some of the discussion on the record. And the spokeswoman for a large charter school network rebuffed our request to see its buildings, saying she likes to bring in reporters ‘who actually care about kids.’That’s just some of the resistance we faced when putting together a five-part series revealing the waste and lack of accountability in real estate transactions by charter schools — from inflated rents to high-interest rates to the manipulation of millions of dollars in federal subsidies for buildings that are privately owned.”

—“Long Valley Olympian indicted on attempted murder charges in August shooting”

—“Trial begins for Great Gorge resident, bear activist”

—“Woman alleges state failed to protect her as she was sexually abused in 3 N.J. foster homes”

—“Clergy sex-abuse lawsuits filed against Camden, Trenton dioceses”

—NJNG’s effort to offset use of natural gas leaves environmentalists skeptical