Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 11/20/2024
Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “It’s a long way to filing day.” – Hudson County Executive Guy on the gubernatorial primary
TOP STORY: Insider NJ’s 2024 Insider 100: Power Publication (PDF)
The state’s affordable housing rules are again up for discussion, according to NJ Spotlight.
The state sent extra ANCHOR property tax checks by mistake, according to the Bergen Record.
The state moved 10.2% toward Trump in the election, the second largest swing of any state, according to SaveJersey.
Another toll hike was approved for the Turnpike and Parkway, according to NJ.com.
RFK Jr. could have an ally in Senator Booker on the US food supply, according to NJ.com.
Internet gaming revenues continue to soar in the state, according to NJ101.5.
A developer proposed apartments and warehouses along Route 78 in Hunterdon County, according to MyCentralJersey.
Warren County is asking the court to allow online legal ads, according to Morristown Green.
Moxie Strategies expanded its team and geography.
ICYMI: Gottheimer launched campaign for Governor; Sherrill launched candidacy for Governor; Democrats lost strength; voters aren’t familiar w/ guv candidates; Murphy addressed the loss of Democratic strength
Gubernatorial candidates converged at the League of Municipalities; Rep. Sherrill made the rounds, while former Senate President Sweeney flexed political muscle at his pub event.
The Hotel and Gaming Trades Council endorsed Fulop for Governor.
Two Teaneck councilmembers endorsed Baraka for Governor, according to NJ Globe.
Union County GOP mayors endorsed Bramnick for Governor.
Rep. Sherrill raised $600k in her first day as a gubernatorial candidate, according to NJ Globe.
Rep. Gottheimer’s Hudson County supporters might switch candidates, according to NJ Globe.
In LD35, Paterson Mayor Sayegh doesn’t want Senator Pou’s seat, according to NJ Globe.
ICYMI: Bergen shifted more red; more Assembly candidates joined Fulop slate; Sweeney allies see path to victory; guv race taking shape; Baraka allies energized; firefighter unions split over guv race; Dems ready to find themselves; Hispanic Democratic dissatisfaction has grown; Bramnick faces difficult path; Ciattarelli sees advantages; Duarte looking ahead to 2025
ELEC approved higher campaign contribution limits, according to NJ Monitor.
Senate Majority Leader Ruiz introduced legislation to expand pre-school education access cross the state.
The Circulate NJ coalition launched to celebrate the state’s logistics industry.
ICYMI: State preparing to defend against deportation; guv candidates converged at conference; Haytaian passed away; Bramnick bucked party
In Atlantic City, an international lifeguard museum could be coming to Boardwalk Hall, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Bedminster, Jacobs will again serve as mayor, according to NJ Hills.
In Bernards, school cost-saving measures are eyed, according to NJ Hills.
In Bernardsville, borough hall will be remodeled, according to NJ Hills.
In Bridgewater, a group home for displaced young adults was proposed, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Essex Fells, the council discussed creating its own code of ethics, according to NJ Hills.
In Flemington, a sewer project is moving forward, according to TAPinto.
In Hanover, the school district is heading to appeals court over a policy, according to TAPinto.
In Hoboken, the late Councilwoman Giattino was praised by her colleagues, according to Hudson County View.
In Jersey City, residents are fighting affordable housing deed restrictions, according to NJ Spotlight.
In Lakewood, the newest state monitors blocked the rehire of the last one, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Ocean City, police highlighted new drones, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Roselle Park, a Shade Tree Committee ordinance was introduced, according to TAPinto.
In Spring Lake Heights, sewer and water rates will increase, according to TAPinto.
In Stafford, the schools superintendent is on leave following an arrest, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Toms River, veterans are excited about a new VA center, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Ventnor, the city is moving forward with a eco-park, according to Downbeach.
ICYMI: In Marlboro, sign-stealing an issue; in Howell, GOP won election; in Marlboro, voters elected split BOE ticket; in Hoboken, Councilwoman Giattino passed away; in Howell, little unity w/in GOP; in Marlboro, tensions rising in the BOE race; in Somerville, JFK is on the ballot; in Randolph, council control at stake with huge significance
Insider NJ columnist Alan Joel Steinberg ‘The Gaetz Appointment – What it Portends for the Forthcoming Trump appointed New Jersey US Attorney‘
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 ‘America’s Original Sin‘
Insider NJ columnist Bob Hennelly writes ‘More Helene Fallout: When Local News is All that Matters‘
AROUND THE WEB:
Presidential election should send a message to establishment Democrats
Antoinette Miles
- The New Jersey Democratic establishment saw major warning signs statewide in the November election. Kamala Harris only won the state by six points — the smallest margin for a Democrat in a presidential election since 1992. She lost Passaic County, a Democratic bastion, as the rest of the state moved to the right and Democratic turnout dropped. In pockets of deep-blue Hudson County, Trump also performed better than expected.
Walmart exec: Prices ‘probably’ will go higher under Trump
Matt Arco, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- Shoppers could be paying more at the register if some of the tariffs President-elect Donald Trump campaigned on go into effect, a senior official at Walmart said Tuesday. “We never want to raise prices,” Walmart CFO John David Rainey said on CNBC, referring to the possibility of the tariffs. “Our model is everyday low prices. But there probably will be cases where prices will go up for consumers.”
Blame the state party for Harris’ uninspiring showing in N.J. | Opinion
Star-Ledger Guest Columnist
- On Election Day, in our two-party system, America was presented with a referendum on democracy. Democracy lost. That should lead to soul-searching among Democratic officials in every state — including the once-reliably blue New Jersey, which only elected Kamala Harris by five points. In fact, in an interview this week analyzing Harris’ disastrous New Jersey showing, Phil Murphy suggested that “Everybody’s got to look in the mirror.”
Traffic, bike lanes: Two of the reasons for general discontent among Hudson voters | Quigley
Joan Quigley, For The Jersey Journal
- Plenty of pundits are speculating about what caused New Jersey’s surprising shift to the right in the recent election. They have plenty of theories, too, but most come down to just one thing: People are not happy about a zillion things that seem to be going wrong – from high taxes and even higher grocery bills, more traffic and unresponsive cops and local officials, to hating their jobs and worrying about their health.
Piloting NJ through the Trump era: Why Mikie Sherrill is running for governor
Julie O’Connor, Star-Ledger Editorial Board
- From leading a Navy helicopter squadron, to New Jersey in the Trump era, Rep. Mikie Sherrill says she’s ready for action: On Monday, she officially declared her candidacy for governor.
The O’Toole Chronicles: Whom Do You Trust?
Kevin O’Toole, NJ Globe
- One of the most difficult decisions that a person in politics must make is creating that short list of people you really trust. Politics is a dangerous place to play in traffic so we can all use as much advice and instruction as possible when navigating this rocky terrain. The sad and ironic truth is that many self-admirers in politics think that they don’t need assistance as they operate like the all-knowing Wizard of Oz, the man behind the curtain.
Blackstone to acquire majority ownership of Jersey Mike’s
Linda Lindner, roi-nj.com
- Jersey Mike’s Subs on Tuesday said it entered into an agreement where Blackstone will acquire a majority ownership position in the Point Pleasant-based sandwich shop. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The Wall Street Journal reported that the deal would value Jersey Mike’s at around $8 billion, including debt.
Op-Ed: Making meaning of the presidential race: Lessons for good governance in N.J.
Hudson County View
- In an editorial, Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla gives his take on President-elect Donald Trump (R) defeating Vice President Kamala Harris, particularly what it means for New Jersey.
Gottheimer running for governor on tax and affordability pledge
Brenda Flanagan, NJ Spotlight
- Cheered by supporters jammed into a Bergen County diner, U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-5th) tossed his hat into a very crowded ring of Democrats eager to succeed Phil Murphy as New Jersey’s governor. The setting served as a visual metaphor for his campaign menu: kitchen table politics with a decidedly moderate flavor.
Central Jersey towns share millions in infrastructure grants. Here’s what’s planned
Susan Loyer, MyCentralJersey.com
- Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration announced $150 million in grants to 540 municipalities across the state for road, bridge, safety, and quality-of-life improvements.
Firefighters making progress at 20-acre Big Rusty Wildfire. Here’s the latest.
Jim Walsh, Cherry Hill Courier-Post
- Big Rusty, a popular artwork made from recycled items here, escaped damage when a wildfire scorched a forest overnight Monday into Tuesday, officials said. The 20-acre blaze, reported 50 percent contained around 9 a.m. Tuesday, at one point threatened about 20 buildings, said the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
Bergen County’s Dr. Mehmet Oz tapped by Trump to head Medicare and Medicaid services
John Connolly, NorthJersey.com
- Dr. Mehmet Oz, the celebrity heart surgeon from New Jersey who hosts TV’s “The Dr. Oz Show,” was chosen by President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday as administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.”
Pallone says he was targeted by Azerbaijani government forces at climate conference
Joey Fox, NJ Globe
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
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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!
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?
Concerns about Jan 6 violence
The simple solution to allay the concerns of the Jan.6 violence happening again is to make sure the election is run in an honest and above board manner, which must include voter I.D. via a totally transparent system. Otherwise I’m betting all bets are off.
(The state’s voting system is secure, according to NJ Spotlight.)
This was without doubt one of the most farcical articles perhaps ever written. To give you an idea just how corrupt and lawless the voting system is, in 2021 Governor Murphy deviously ousted the Bergen County Superintendent of Elections with over 30+ years of experience (coerced and strongarmed into early retirement) in order to then deliberately and deviously insert Loretta Weinberg’s Chief of Staff who, had absolutely NO previous election experience whatsoever.
This was all masterfully formulated and then executed just several weeks prior to the Gubernatorial primary. But of course there was nothing nefarious regarding such an abrupt change.
Although Bergen County is not the largest County in New Jersey it is however home to the most registered voters of which the vast majority are also Democrats.
Keep in mind The Superintendent of Elections Office is also in charge of voter “registrations” – polls books, voting machines and of course – investigating any and all reports of voter fraud.
Murphy’s intentions had been to leave the position vacant until “after” the Gubernatorial Election in November but the media exposed his chicanery and he was forced to fill and announce his personal “appointment” immediately and how all of this came to light.
The former Superintendent of Elections was also a Republican and certainly would’ve never voluntarily retired “prematurely” but just prior to a major election. Her integrity was legendary throughout the entire County.
But of course there was nothing to Murphy’s sudden lead change “in the middle of the night” in Bergen County after the polls had already closed.
Murphy was and still remains loathed and despised by all because of his despotic actions and stance on the Covid lockdowns. He knew there was no other way he could ever beat Ciattarelli and never did. But certainly not legally nor ever legitimately. But keep believing “the voting system in NJ” is actually secure.