Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 10/15/2024
Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “If there’s a small population of black males that sees some benefit of Donald Trump, I don’t get it. If it’s something concentrating on their own financial status and they assume he is for people of means as opposed to those who are marginalized, I can’t connect with it. That’s not how I was raised.” – NJDSC Chairman Jones
TOP STORY: In CD-7 Debate, Kean Appears, only to get Berated by Altman for Being Clinically Absent
The Treasury began distributing ANCHOR property tax relief benefits.
State comptroller Kevin Walsh hasn’t slowed down, despite angering the political class, according to Politico NJ.
Former LG Guadagno discusses how the hurricanes could slow down voting, according to Politico NJ.
NJ experts give pointers on how to read polls, according to NJ Spotlight.
A North Jersey hospital strike was averted, according to MyCentralJersey.
There are high hopes for NJ Transit’s new customer advocate, according to NJ Spotlight.
The NJ NAACP and activists called for sweeping changes in the State Police, according to NJ Spotlight.
Rep. Van Drew railed against AC Electric, according to SaveJersey.
ICYMI: Insider NJ’s Who’s And Who’s Down; labor hit Philly streets as PA Dems build Harris coalition; Philly Dems in gear for Harris; Murphy discussed lowering voting age
NJDSC Chairman Jones made the case for VP Harris.
Kelsey Grammer stumped for GOP Senate candidate Curtis Bashaw in a new video ad.
In CD7, Rep. Kean and challenger Altman debated on Sunday evening. Extremism charges went both ways in the debate, according to NJ Spotlight. Altman touted her internal poll showing a 2-point race, saying she ‘trusts’ the poll.
Mayor Baraka and Queen Latifah rallied for the Harris/Walz ticket.
North Bergen Mayor Sacco touted JC Mayor Fulop as the next governor, according to the Hudson County View.
8 NJ counties now have GOP voter registration pluralities, according to SaveJersey.
ICYMI: Morris’ Ali has had enough of Crispi; Golden touted Monmouth GOP numbers; Bramnick has new argument; NJGOP working to increase VBM returns; Altman poll shows 2-point race; Bashaw’s ‘debate freeze‘ drew attention; Emhoff campaigned in the state; Altman held her fourth campaign town hall; NOW-NJ released endorsements; frustration over stolen lawn signs; Delgado will serve as the Harris-Walz state director; Ali to preside over GOP county chairs; Kim campaigned in Bergen; Bashaw positioned as centrist
Speaker Coughlin and Assembly GOP Leader DiMaio announced the creation of a new Assembly select committee on ballot design.
Senator Pennacchio was named Legislator of the Year by COANJ.
The state’s hemp industry is in regulatory limbo after a court decision, according to NJ Monitor.
ICYMI: ‘Freedom To Read Act’ advanced;; insiders consider Scutari future
Download and read Insider NJ’s 2024 Labor publication.
Download and read Insider NJ’s 2024 Insider 100: Policymakers publication.
Compliance Corner: Why Every Business Needs a Political-Activity Policy
Download and read Insider NJ’s 2024 Insider 100: Legal publication.
Download and read Insider NJ’s 2024 Insider 100: Lobbyist publication.
In Jersey City, O’Dea has nearly $1M COH.
In Marlboro, a BOE slate declined to participate in a LWV forum.
In Trenton, Council Vice President Kettenberg was endorsed by the mayor and council colleagues.
In Caldwell, the annual rent rate increase is set, according to NJ Hills.
In Camden, the first black woman in the police department passed away, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
In Chatham Borough, the council will discuss PILOT agreements, according to NJ Hills.
In Frelinghuysen the future of a soon-to-be weed store is fuzzy, according to Lehigh Valley Live.
In Hackensack, a councilman will step down after alleged racist remarks, according to the Bergen Record.
In Hillside, imprisoned former Democratic Chair Salters was hired for a ‘no-show’ job, according to NJ101.5.
In Jersey City, HCDO Chair and County Executive Guy endorsed the ‘Education Matters’ BOE slate, according to Hudson County View.
In Manalapan, a builder was approved for additional units, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Morristown, residents and officials urged the county to focus on pedestrian safety, according to Morristown Green.
In North Caldwell, a lead paint inspection ordinance is being mulled, according to NJ Hills.
In Northfield, the mayor is facing multiple charges after a confrontation, according to NJ.com.
In Passaic, the city will open a new police substation, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Paterson, Lou Costello Park is no longer attracting addicts following a makeover, according to Paterson Press.
In Peapack-Gladstone, a 10th police officer will be added, according to NJ Hills.
In Phillipsburg, a five-year plan for the Housing Authority was adopted, according to Lehigh Valley Live.
In South Brunswick, the council will vote on affordable housing set asides, according to TAPinto.
In Upper Township, residents want answers on mercury contamination, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Wall, conflicting information from the DEP on offshore wind raised concerns, according to TAPinto.
In Wayne, the town was forced to reimburse Valley National Bank over a tax court settlement, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Ventnor, a resident petitioned the commissioners for extended biking time on the boardwalk, according to Downbeach.
ICYMI: In Randolph, council race has huge significance; in Marlboro, BOE race polarized; in Jersey City, Gilmore fundraising presence causes havoc; Solomon slapped at McGreevey as he kicked off his mayoral candidacy, which could shake up the 2025 race; in Paterson, oral arguments set to begin over takeover; in AC, Small, wife indicted
In a guest column on Insider NJ, Dari Kotzker writes ‘Blue Wife, Red Husband: LMT Household at the Heart of the Battleground‘
In a guest column on Insider NJ, Liz DeBeer writes ‘What Motivates Progressives to Write Postcards‘
Insider NJ columnist Andrew Leven ‘An Aspect of the Harris/Trump Economic Plans That Isn’t Being Discussed, But Should Be‘
Insider NJ columnist Bob Hennelly writes ‘More Helene Fallout: When Local News is All that Matters‘
AROUND THE WEB:
Christie owes America a debt for helping Trump. Time to pay up. | Moran
Tom Moran, Star-Ledger Columnist
- It’s late in the game, but in an interview published Friday Chris Christie left the door open to endorsing Kamala Harris, and even serving in her cabinet. “If she wins, she has said she will put at least one Republican in her cabinet – if she offered you a cabinet position, would you take it?” the NY Times columnist Frank Bruni asked him.
NJ 7th District: We met with Tom Kean Jr. and Sue Altman. Here’s what they said
Katie Sobko, NorthJersey.com
- All 12 seats in New Jersey’s congressional delegation are on the ballot this year, but the race getting the most buzz is the one in Congressional District 7. Republican incumbent Rep. Tom Kean Jr. is squaring off against Democrat Sue Altman, the former executive director of the New Jersey Working Families Party. Both sat down with the NorthJersey.com editorial board last week to discuss where they stand on immigration, health care, reproductive rights and the race for president.
Battle for unionization breaks out at large N.J. cannabis company
Jelani Gibson, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- A conflict over unionization is taking place at one of the state’s largest cannabis dispensaries, Green Thumb Industries. The United Food and Commercial Worker Local 360 union, one of the state’s primary cannabis unions, is being challenged by the National Right to Work Foundation, which opposes compulsory union membership.
Star-Ledger Editorial Board
- This presidential race has been so crazy, with the threat to our democracy and the vitriol over Haitian immigrants and childless cat ladies, that there’s been very little talk about big policy issues. Kamala Harris is starting to change that, to cut through the nonsense and talk about things of concern to American families.
We weren’t banking on this real conspiracy theory | Editorial
South Jersey Times Editorial Board
- Fact check time: No, a voting tabulation equipment company did not conspire with a foreign government to “rig” Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election. Fox News had to find that out the hard way three years later.
As kids fail, Newark school officials hit the road with taxpayer money – again | Editorial
Star-Ledger Editorial Board
- For school officials in Newark, it’s going to be a fun October! They’re off on big trips to conferences in Dallas, Atlantic City, and Las Vegas.
Documents show lavish spending on pay, benefits for officials at dockworkers union
Jeff Pillets, NJ Monitor
- The three-day dockworker strike that threatened to stall the American economy was a dramatic victory for 45,000 East Coast longshoremen, who now stand to collect 60% pay hikes by 2030. The tentative deal, between maritime shippers and the International Longshoremen’s Association, lifts top pay to $45 an hour next year for laborers on the New York-New Jersey docks and at more than 30 other ports from Maine to Texas. At that rate, dockworkers putting in a 40-hour work week would make up to $93,600 a year.
Is he real? Robotic pets arrive in Morris County
NJ Hills
- The Morris County Sheriff’s Office has received 20 robotic companion pets donated through a Morris County Aging, Disabilities & Community Program.
Taking the shock out of electric bills
John Reitmeyer, NJ Spotlight
- While it’s too late to undo the sticker shock many New Jersey residents faced this year after electric bills soared during an especially hot summer, state lawmakers are hoping to prevent consumers from being blindsided in the future. Legislation that cleared a key Senate committee last week calls for the establishment of a new consumer notification program so customers of utility companies could see during the billing cycle if their energy usage is rising.
Major scientific advance as Princeton researchers map brain of fruit fly
Ted Goldberg, NJ Spotlight
- Princeton University researchers have used artificial intelligence and old-fashioned hard work to map out the brain connections of fruit flies, a discovery which could lead to long-term developments in science and health care.
7th District race shifting in Kean’s favor, election analyst says
Briana Vannozzi, NJ Spotilght
- With less than four weeks to go before Election Day, the Cook Political Report is shifting its rating of New Jersey’s competitive 7th Congressional District race from “Toss Up” to “Lean Republican” in favor of the incumbent Rep. Tom Kean Jr. over Democratic challenger Sue Altman.
A Progressive Perspective: Nonpartisan vs. Partisan Elections in West Windsor
Irwin Stoolmacher, The Trentonian
- The voters of my hometown will have an opportunity on November 5th to decide whether to continue West Windsor’s nonpartisan elections which have been in effect since 1993, or move to partisan elections that ten other municipalities in Mercer County have.
What’s South Jersey’s favorite coffee spot? See which local cafes topped the list.
Jim Walsh, Celeste E. Whittaker, Cherry Hill Courier-Post
- South Jersey coffee-drinkers show a preference for small brewers, according to a recent readers’ poll. The results showed a neck-and-neck finish for two neighborhood coffee shops: Daily Grounds in Wenonah and High Grounds Coffee Roasters in Glassboro. At the same time, few of the 1,189 voters went for the big chains that nonetheless sell oceans of coffee each day — such as Wawa, Dunkin’ and Starbucks.
Murphy celebrates “a full week of declining numbers” then says “status quo of lockdown will remain until new cases and fatalities decrease.” So, which of Murphy’s statements is accurate? He said 2 opposite things in a single paragraph of speaking.
He;s “vacationing” at his villa in Italy, while Covid surges and the state is paralyzed by “remote work”…………translation: NO WORK
That is what happens in practicality when they are “suspending their disbelief” (HR Clinton) in real numbers and going on predictive models to make decisions. And then after doing that, they vote with “feelings.”
lmao imagine supporting lockdowns after the largest mass death event in american history and calling that a feeling driven conclusion? maga chuds never fail to disappoint
keeping up with the news
OK
What I — and most of the women I know who are passionate about cosmetics —like about make up isn’t that the right gloss can make your lips poutier or that false lashes can make your eyes more doe-like. Rather, it’s how women can communicate messages and express ourselves through makeup. Certainly it’s not our single factor of communication, but it’s one of many forms of expression that allow us to showcase our individual styles.
keeping up with the news
Longmont Tree Service
Roofing In Brighton
Roofing Colorado Springs
So….about those 56 machines in Bergen… <<>>
Murphy running for President is LAUGHABLE. Nased on what??
What a fantastic post! This blog is so full of useful information I can’t wait to dig deep and start utilizing the resources you have given me. I have a similar article that will surely help.
Increasing Use of Cosmetic Products & Their Side Effects
great article, very informative thanks for sharing
very informative thank you so much
Murphy doesn’t want to be the president, he wants to be a state trooper.
Nice article! thanks for sharing the post!
Neurosurgery is a complex and demanding medical specialty that requires an exceptional level of skill and experience. Dr. Shiau is undoubtedly one of the best neurosurgeons in New Jersey, and patients in Jersey City, Maplewood, Holmdel, Paramus, and Bergen County can rest assured that they are receiving the best possible care under his expertise. Neurosurgeon nj
Meet Dr. John Shiau, the leading neurosurgeon in NJ, at Complete Medical Wellness. Discover his expertise and how he can help you with your neurological conditions. Check out this article for more information. neurosurgeon NJ
lETS NOT FORGET that during the pandemic Donald Trump sent the MERCY, a fully equipped, COVID prepared Hospital ship to save lives of victims and healthcare workers . But Murphy in his wisdom would rather send Patients back to nursing homes that were ill-equipped to treat these patients so they could die , rather than utilize a life-saving gift and be like NY governor Cuomo, another anti-Trump
tool.
Your blog is a haven of positivity in a sometimes chaotic online world.
Your exquisitely curated blog epitomizes erudition, captivating readers with its intellectually stimulating content and profound philosophical insights.
Gun owners don’t have to talk about guns because they know that they have to come out and vote to protect their constitutional right to bear arms. The Supreme court decision has affirmed that right and somehow our “leaders” haven’t learned how to read.
NJ is one of the most corrupt and racist places to live. There’s “0” accountability for the criminal acts, corruption, and unfair treatment of the people of this state. It starts with our governor who cares less for truth and honesty. Continue to ruin the lives of the citizens of this state.
How about those unintended consequences.
New Jersey mandating that all cars being sold by 2035 be electric is telling us what we can or cannot buy with our own money. There will always be gasoline powered vehicles because of the power produced by internal combustion compared to the power produced by batteries; which is to say the more power the bigger the battery to the point of rediculousness. My thought is that if the state wants fewer gas powered vehicles on the road it should create a mass transit electric powered system that would emphasize convenience for commuters and everyday shoppers. Of course that would mean vehicles weighing tons more because of the size of batteries and that creates a whole other question of where to dispose of them (also for elelectric car batteries), since they are composed of highly toxic materials that can’t be burnt or buried. These are unintended consequences no- one is willing to grapple with until its too late. I think by 2035 th he electric car fantasy will go the same way the offshore wind farm has gone.
Stephen Brickman
206 Stonehenge Dr
Phillipsburg,NJ 08865
Stephen.Brickman@gmail.com
Sent from my iPhone
The military serving in the Middle East represents every state in the Union. Those are our sons and daughters, Moms and Dads and yet we are very little to protect them, or REALLY retaliate when they’re attacked. Governor Murphy is the Chairman of the Democratic Governors Association, and past chair of the National Governors Association and yet you never hear him mention about any requests either organization makes to Biden to be more aggressive about protecting our kids in harms way. It’s as though it doesn’t seem to matter to them. No wonder we look so weak to the rest of the world.
Teaneck property taxes pays for the school budget. Teaneck High School students walk out. Is a Hamas military shuffle march property tax bill included?
I’m a conservative and I do believe life begins at conception but the problem is that each mother is responsible for that life and it is in the realm of her mental and physical health that she will either bring it to term or abort it. This should not be a political decision and should not be be dictated by thousand of strangers. The Supreme Court turned it over to the states but it still remains personal for the mother and her family.
I don’t think it should be an “agenda item” for any political party. A state medical society may want to impose a time frame within which an abortion can occur but even that may be subject to the mother’s doctor’s discretion.
I say just quit discussing it and leave it up to the mother a father.
Voting should be based on understanding what’s actually happening and knowing who would make life safer and more livable. The only way to do that is to get both sides of the information remembering there are always two sides to a story. Mainstream media in my area includes the Star Ledger and the Easton Express. If you look at the bylines of the opinions you will find writers from the Washington Post and Bloomberg, both notoriously on the left. Even the political cartoons are a dead giveaway. CNN and CNBC are also left leaning. So what are the options for getting opinions and news from the right? Fortunately cable news has Fox, which is near center, and Newsmax, and NewsNation which are full right. Watching these even just occasionally will show a much broader picture and give the reader more information with which to make an informed voting decision. And remember you DONT have to vote party if you feel there’s a wiser choice.
The governor signed off on having Narcan available in all schools grades 9 through 12. But what about the idea
of having Narcan available in ALL SCHOOLS in New Jersey?
How’s his for an idea? Uncover the identities of the un-elected advisors to Pres. Biden, and publish their names. That way there is actually someone to blame when we lose valuable lives from unanswered attacks by terrorist organizations. We know Biden isn’t making these decisions on his own. My guess is that these advisors will quit the team rather than take the heat for poor decisions, revealing a big weakness in this administration. It might lead to improvements to the decision-making process.
Note to Concealed Carry permit holders: make sure you subscribe to one of the insurance companies that specialize in CCP, ie: US LAW SHIELD. If you ever have to fire your weapon , that has to be the first phone call you make. The second is 911, the third is your family. With so many new permit holders there will probably be an increase in discharges until word gets out that it’s actually unsafe for criminals to be in New Jersey and crime will take a nosedive.
Now unless you have a conviction in your background you can get that CCP and really defend yourself and your family. And more women are applying which is great for family defense. The stats that record gun violence will have to be re-organized into guns used for crime and guns used to prevent crime. A lot of get-always here because sometimes just brandishing a firearm is enough to stop a crime. But it should be reported anyway..
The liability limits for taxi cabs are extreme starting July 1. It was a plan in place through the insurance banking committee and it was abruptly changed with an amendment. The guys are barely making a living today and you’ve increased their insurance. What’s fair is fair and this is not it was an incremental increase, which was fair, and was removed by the governor please refer back to the original plan
Iowa gets it right. What better school security is there than trained, armed teachers with concealed carry permits. You wonder what parents and local government officials when they oppose this idea. Apparently they would rather wait for some demented individual, either a student or maybe an ex student pulls out a handgun of his backpack , or a long gun out of a duffel and starts firing do they can call it in and wait for help to show up. This move would save many lives and I would heartily endorse this idea nationwide. Of course I’m just an average gun owner who believes that our kids are our most valuable asset and need real protection.
The problem with the Line is that there is no vetting process. Whoever pays the most and/or is specifically unqualified and therefore relegated to the status of puppet is who the county bosses support and threaten the committee members to support. My opponent said on-air that he will do whatever they tell him. What kind of leadership is that. I have 8-10 organizations endorsing me to his zero. I have served many statewide for almost 4 years while he has never helped anyone but himself. No-brainer who is qualified, and they know it. That’s why they are getting nasty and vile while I continue to take the high road.
With the mainstream media touting the current president and suddenly discovers he’s been lying to us all about how supportive he is of Israel when it is reported he is receiving BIG donations from Soros and Rockefellers , both proven anti-American donors, to become pro Palestinian and Pro Hamas and Anti Israel by holding up ammunition shipments to Israel. And solidly answering the question of why he never goes directly against Iran. Is the MSM party to this also. How can the general public now know who and what to trust. They warn us how terrible a trump administration will be as if they have totally forgotten how good we had it under Trump. All I can say is put on your big boy pants and tell us how it really is.
Studies show that recreational cannabis is responsible a 10% increase in motor vehicle accident deaths. These studies show that cannabis impairs driving ability and driving while high is common among regular users. Since cannabis is still an illegal drug, insurance companies are within their rights to deny coverage in for an accident ruled a DUI due to cannabis. However a state that approved its recreational use should be held accountable for any and all the consequences of that DUI. States are more interested in the money they make but they should accept the responsibility for having approved the use of recreational cannabis.
Could you please fix your “bay blood spots “ typo. It sounds like a horror movie. Although “baby blood spots” isn’t much better. Maybe there’s a clearer and less distressing turn of phrase for all of our sensitive readers, lol. Please and thank you.
Reclassifying marihuana from CI to any other category will involve Pharmacy because by law only a Pharmacist with a DEA license can purchase or sell any drug with a CII to CV
Classification. (CI is exempt because it’s heroine or any other drug with no medical purpose). This is a National problem because it is all under the DEA. And since marihuana is a hallucinogen among other things it requires control. The whole weed issue has put the cart before the horse and really requires reining in to have it conform
to the legal requirements. (Sorry Mr. Weedman). And recreational use will get the biggest hit because it will require a prescription
for medicinal use, but that cuts out the recreational aspect. Maybe in the future Pharmacists may be able to prescribe it but not yet. And how many physicians and Nurse Practitioners will want to be involved in the weed industry, I wonder? Lots of questions and few answers so far.
Changing the regulations to allow Optometrists to perform surgery is foolhardy and dangerous. Their training is doing vision tests and prescribing the correct glasses to improve vision. Only an MD in ophthalmology should be the one to do eye surgery.
That’s like asking the fellow filling your gas tank to fix a ball joint suspension.
This is not the answer to a shortage of ophthalmologists
Can’t seem to access the Steinberg column on Sam Alito, Sr. on your website. Suggestions?
Stop complaining about taxes ,our schools , our crime, ,after all folks we keep voting in the same Democrat party politicians each time .
For instance who would think that every Democrat who represents us in congress would vote for men playing in woman sports ,but they did , ask yourself are you the kind of a person who would kill ( sorry to use that word kill but hard not to since the law is that is a human being and if the mother is murdered it’s a double homicide ) a baby up to the moment of birth sorry to tell you that is the law in New Jersey.
So stop complaining your part of the problem.
NOTE TO SENIORS
I was 85 when I got my Carry permit. If you want to protect yourself and your family you are never too old to carry. As log as you can pass the test at the range, which is pretty simple, and you have a handgun you can handle (which is why I purchased a Walther CCP M2 PLUS which is easy to rack) and you have no police record or mental health problems, you can qualify. Of course you need to get a Federal weapons ID card, if you don’t already have one. We are targets because we are older and look easy. Well surprise , surprise. The more folks that are carrying the less crime because the bad guys wont know if you are armed and might not try something. By the way
it doesn’t matter- male or female!!
Great article, thanks for keeping us informed!
Assemblyman Schaer’s Bill to define antisemitism for New Jersey residents and to be able to react to it is great. But what about our kids going off to college, especially the Jewish kids. They should have a means to know what schools have active anti-Jewish protests, and/or pro-Palestinian demonstration allowed on and off campus. They should be able to feel safe wherever they go, and not have their studies interrupted by what I consider this unlawful activity. Are there websites with this kind of information posted?