Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 10/2/2024
Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I don’t like that he offends Mexicans. I’m not saying that there aren’t some bad people who immigrate, but the majority are hard-working people, and he knows that without immigrants the economy of this country will collapse. I know many Latinos who support Trump, but they are embarrassed to say it because of his rhetoric.” – Cranbury-based businessman Miguel Espinoza
TOP STORY: Shadows in the Scutari Caucus Room as 2024 Ticks into 2025
Governor Murphy discussed the proposal to lower the voting age in certain elections.
South Jersey ports and workers face an uncertain future as a strike looms, according to Burlington County Times.
For the first time in nearly 50 years, the Port of NY and NJ is idle due to the large-scale strike by the Longshoremen.
Inspira broke ground on a $240M hospital expansion, according to Burlington County Times.
Talks are continuing between University Hospital and the nurses union, according to NJ101.5.
Warehouse vacancies are rising, fueling claims of an overbuilt market, according to NJ Spotlight.
The state is mulling new birdfeeder rules to stop snacking bears, according to NJ Herald.
Governor Murphy says he won’t allow Hudson County to become a ‘healthcare desert’, according to Hudson County View.
Mercer County established a LGBTQIA Office.
The feds cleared Middlesex County’s $66M sports complex plan, according to MyCentralJersey.
ICYMI: Legislation pending to honor Pascrell; funeral held for the late Rep. Pascrell; smoking still allowed in casinos
Morris GOP Chair Ali was picked to preside over the 21 county GOP chairs.
The US Chamber of Commerce endorsed GOP Senate candidate Curtis Bashaw.
In CD2, candidates will debate on October 24, according to Downbeach.
In CD11, Republican Carmen Bucco is aiming for the seat, according to NJ Globe.
Rasmussen data shows a single-digit presidential race in the state, according to SaveJersey.
The GOP made gains in voter registration in September, according to SaveJersey.
ICYMI: Insider NJ’s Who’s Up And Who’s Down; Kim campaigned in Bergen; Bashaw positioned as centrist; Gopal raised $200k; NJCA released endorsements; Pennacchio hosted successful fundraiser; Kim launched ad; Bramnick held fundraiser; Sumter, Wimberly poised for Senate showdown ; NJYD endorsements; Altman took aim at Kean; State Troopers PAC released endorsements; NJLCV released endorsements; Altman picking up tempo; Fulop guv candidacy sets up HCDO civil war scenario; America 1st GOP moving ahead w/’Too Big To Rig’ tour; McIver won CD10 election; Kim, Ciattarelli crisscrossed campaign trail
Insiders are considering the future of Senate President Scutari.
Lawmakers want new penalties for screaming mufflers, according to NJ Monitor.
The Assembly is preparing to create a ballot design panel, according to NJ Globe.
Legislation takes on freight train derailment, according to NJ.com.
The state announced an effort to stop abuse in group homes, according to NJ.com.
Former Senator Beck was appointed to the Racing Commission.
The NJAMCC announced Charles Whalen as their new executive director.
The NJ Conservation Foundation announced new leadership.
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 Asbury Park, charter schools can’t prove most students even live there, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Bradley Beach, a competitive mayoral race is taking shape.
In Bridgewater, the town engaged the community on the open space master plan, according to TAPinto. The mayor weighed in on BOE elections, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Denville, BOE candidates will debate, according to NJ Hills.
In Harding, the BOE president says there’s no hard decision on sending kids to Chatham High, according to NJ Hills.
In Keyport, the first female police chief bid farewell, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Long Hill, a committeewoman proposed community engagement groups, according to NJ Hills.
In Mendham Borough, quality education and cost control are key BOE issues, according to NJ Hills.
In New Brunswick, the town looks to formalize a switch atop the police department, according to MyCentralJersey.
In North Caldwell, a zoning district was created to add cell service to PSEG towers, according to NJ Hills.
In Paterson, a park was cleaned up for $500k, according to Paterson Press.
In Passaic, the first female captain was named, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Red Bank, the police chief is retiring, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Ridgewood, police presented solutions to traffic problems, according to TAPinto.
In Springfield, a $100k performance bond was imposed on the Gomes development, according to TAPinto.
In Toms River, a second North Dover synagogue was approved, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Warren, police proposed more manpower, according to NJ Hills.
ICYMI: 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
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 ‘Adams’ Municipal Version of Trump’s Attack on ‘the Deep State’‘
In a guest column on Insider NJ, Archange Antoine writes ‘NJ Silent as Trump, Vance, and GOP Target Haitian Community‘
Insider NJ columnist George Ball writes ‘This Emperor Has No Clothes‘
Insider NJ columnist Alan Joel Steinberg writes ‘The Post-2024 Election NJGOP Gubernatorial Civil War: Reaganism (Bramnick) versus Trumpism (Ciattarelli)‘
AROUND THE WEB:
Thousands of East, Gulf Coast dockworkers hit the picket line as contract deadline passes
Ry Rivard and Nick Niedzwiadek, Politico
- Dockworkers from New England to Texas walked off the job just after midnight Tuesday, upending parts of the U.S. supply chain weeks before the election. Tens of thousands of workers struck after the International Longshoremen’s Association and the shipping industry could not reach a new contract after their last six-year deal expired. Their absence means cargo can’t be unloaded at ports all across the Eastern Seaboard and the Gulf Coast.
Time to pay NJ sales tax on electric cars
John Reitmeyer, NJ Spotilght
- Starting Tuesday, consumers shopping for electric vehicles in New Jersey will no longer get the full benefits of a popular tax break that had been in place for the last two decades. Instead, a change in tax policy enacted earlier this year by Gov. Phil Murphy and fellow Democrats who control the Legislature cuts in half a full exemption from the state’s sales tax when purchasing, leasing or renting new and used electric vehicles.
Princeton students arrested during spring pro-Gaza protests to appear in court
Hannan Adely, Mary Ann Koruth, NorthJersey.com
- Fifteen pro-Palestinian demonstrators arrested at Princeton University in April after allegedly disobeying campus policies while protesting the Middle East conflict were due in court Tuesday, two students for setting up tents and 13 others for occupying a building four days later.
After hurricane deaths, Trump fuels hatred | Moran
Tom Moran, Star-Ledger
- Is there no end to Trump’s poisonous lies? On Monday, even as grieving families began to bury their dead, he claimed that the federal government was refusing to help Republican victims of Hurricane Helene based on politics.
Former ACUA president honored with Environmental Legacy Award
Downbeach
- The NJ Environmental Lobby recently named former Atlantic County Utilities Authority President Rick Dovey as the recipient of its Environmental Legacy Award. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to protecting the natural resources of New Jersey.
Infamous North Jersey road named among the most haunted spots in the world
Manahil Ahmad, NorthJersey.com
- Clinton Road in West Milford, has long been the subject of ghost stories and eerie encounters, and now it ranks as the most haunted road in the United States and the second most haunted in the world, according to a list compiled by Sixt.com. The road, tucked away in the forests of North Jersey, is infamous for its chilling tales, including the ghost of a young boy who is said to haunt a bridge along the route.
Gun violence impacts a wide circle with each murder
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- Tinia, a 20-year-old female affiliated with James Halsey Foundation of the Arts, took a seat in a conference room of the Hamilton Twp.-based organization. Her impromptu arrival added weight to an already cumbrous conversation with James Halsey about Dante Leverett, a 17-year-old shot and killed on Sept. 22., Tinia’s birthday.
Port strike leaves economy hanging in the balance
Joanna Gagis, NJ Spotlight
- Some 50,000 port workers along the east and gulf coasts walked off the jobs at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday morning. Their strike is the result of failed negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association and their employer, the U.S. Maritime Association.
Morristown Green editor to receive award at Byrne Kean dinner, Oct. 15
Marion Filler, Morristown Green
- MorristownGreen.com editor Kevin Coughlin will receive the Local Impact in New Jersey Journalism award at the fourth annual Byrne Kean Dinner on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024. Coughlin is being recognized for his “dedication in covering all aspects of the community — families, events, schools, the arts and local government,” according to the nonprofit Corporation for New Jersey Local Media (CNJLM), host of the event at The Park Avenue Club in Florham Park.
LWV candidate forums for Morris County
League of Women Voters of the Morristown Area
- The League of Women Voters of the Morris Area, along with its partners, has invited candidates to participate in forums / debates across Morris County and Congressional Districts 7 and 11. We have confirmed forums for Morris County Commissioners, three Municipal races and six Board of Education races to be held through October. Unfortunately, more than a dozen races will not have forums due to insufficient candidate participation, which is required to meet the League’s nonpartisan policy.
Van Drew sets electric bills hearing for Oct. 8 at ACIT; Trenton hearing Wednesday
Michelle Brunetti Post, Press of Atlantic City
- U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-2nd, will host a field hearing next week to examine a surge in power bills, his office said Tuesday. Van Drew’s hearing will be held at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at the Atlantic County Institute of Technology, 5080 Atlantic Ave.
After century of rumors, Atlantic Highlands hidden bootlegging tunnels may have been found
Jerry Carino, Asbury Park Press
- In the 1920s and early 1930s, Atlantic Highlands held a special distinction. “It was considered to be the bootlegging capital of the eastern United States during Prohibition,” local historian Greg Caggiano said. “It was a location for numerous mobsters and rum runners.”
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
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So….about those 56 machines in Bergen… <<>>
Murphy running for President is LAUGHABLE. Nased on what??
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Murphy doesn’t want to be the president, he wants to be a state trooper.
Nice article! thanks for sharing the post!
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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.
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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!