Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 6/28/2024
Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Voters on the political left are a big part of the Democratic Party in the state but changing school demographics in New Jersey would mean convincing a lot of moderates that segregation is real and needs to be addressed. Making dramatic changes without buy-in from moderates might invite a backlash.” – FDU Polling Director Dan Cassino
TOP STORY: Right-wing Rock Star Durr Takes ‘Global Warming Hoax’ and Other Hits Statewide
Here’s what’s in the budget expected to be approved today, according to NJ Spotlight.
Despite the state’s minimum wage hike, many struggle to make ends meet, according to the Bergen Record.
The state is considering statewide restrictions on gas-powered leaf blowers, according to TAPinto.
A judge booted an indicted lawyer in the ‘Norcross enterprise’ case from the Rutgers Board of Governors, according to NJ.com.
Gold bars are back in the spotlight at the Menendez trial, according to NJ Spotlight. Prosecutors delved into Menendez’s financial disclosures, according to NJ Spotlight.
NJ Transit’s 15% fare hike will begin on July 1, according to the Bergen Record.
The Bergen County Jail was renamed without the word ‘jail’, according to the Bergen Record.
Hunterdon County is using grant money to aid in open space purchases, according to TAPinto.
Passaic County is launching a mobile food pantry, according to NorthJersey.com.
Former Somerset County Sheriff Provenzano passed away.
ICYMI: Courts playing key role in shaping political developments; Critchley, Marino statement on Norcross; former Morris Freeholder Romaine passed away; AG’s Office unveiled racketeering charges against Norcross; former Essex Freeholder Cavanaugh passed away; Murphy’s approval rating 46%
GOP gubernatorial primary candidate former Senator Durr participated in a FDU forum, taking on climate change and gun rights.
In CD3, the national GOP appear to have given up on retaking the seat, according to NJ Globe.
In CD9, Paterson Mayor Sayegh’s DC fundraiser raises buzz about a future congressional run, according to Paterson Press.
In CD10, Jerry Walker urged NJ Transit to pause fare hikes.
Palatucci defeated Purdy for national GOP Committeeman, according to NJ Globe.
ICYMI: Spadea slammed ‘establishment power brokers’; Bashaw announced Lamberto as campaign manager; Malinowski’s second act; Fulop want to eliminate ‘monetization’ party chairs; Sherrill tag-teamed with Altman; Insider NJ’s Who’s Up And Who’s Down; Fulop took aim at Guy; Morris Dems kicked off campaign; Gilmore backing Spadea; NJEA endorsed Spiller; Spadea launched guv candidacy; path could be difficult w/ Durr in race; Spiller launched guv candidacy
A budget vote is expected today, according to the Bergen Record. The spending bill clears the path for a record-high budget, as the budget season slowly comes to an end, according to NJ Spotlight. Budget language would include funding for the StayNJ program despite a waning surplus, according to NJ Monitor.
Lawmakers advanced the corporate transit fee, according to NJ Monitor.
ICYMI: Murphy says he doesn’t think about his legacy; Murphy announced promotions; Murphy nominated Hoffman for Supreme Court; NJSBA president condemned judge’s remarks; Senate passed OPRA legislation, boos and jeers greeted vote
Download and read Insider NJ’s 2024 Insider 100: Lobbyist publication.
Former Senator Bob Gordon discusses his career and insights on current events.
In Dover, its a bumpy transition six months into Mayor Dodd’s tenure as former BA DeCroce threatens to sue the town over her firing.
In Atlantic City, a Housing Authority member will resign, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Caldwell, a petition against hiring a police director is gaining traction, according to NJ Hills.
In Evesham, Pride flags were vandalized, according to Burlington County Times.
In Hasbrouck Heights, the town hired a new communications director, according to TAPinto.
In Jersey City, mayoral candidate O’Dea named Zadroga-Hart as one of his council running mates, according to Hudson County View.
In Keansburg, the town is still too loose with taxpayer money and overpays workers, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Newton, air conditioning upgrades were approved at town hall, according to NJ Herald.
In Perth Amboy, a downtown park is slated for improvement, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Phillipsburg, the council amended the Riverfront development plan, according to TAPinto.
In Ridgewood, the council discussed how to quell traffic accident increases, according to TAPinto.
In Sayreville, controversy erupted at borough hall over the Pride flag, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Toms River, the purchase of boat works will kill off restaurant plans, according too the Asbury Park Press.
In Wall, the town hopes its fair will be problem-free, according to NJ101.5.
In West Orange, residents spoke out against the amendment delaying the tree ordinance implementation, according to TAPinto.
In Westwood, police levied 25 charges following a graduation brawl, according to the Bergen Record.
ICYMI: In Newark, Onyema won West Ward Dem chairmanship
Insider NJ editor Max Pizarro writes ‘The Most Critical Moment in Tonight’s Presidential Debate‘
Insider NJ columnist Alan Joel Steinberg writes ‘I knew Sam Alito, Sr. – a Vivid Contrast to his Son‘
Insider NJ columnist Andrew Leven writes ‘Navigating the Hurricane‘
Insider NJ columnist Bob Hennelly writes ‘A Bright Spot Amidst a Bleak EMS Week‘ and ‘Afghani Family Who Helped U.S. Uplifted by FDU’s Global Reach‘ and ‘Wildwood Proves Trump Maga Fever Still Raging‘ and ‘Gaza’s Fate Looms Large in NJ Dems June Primary Debate‘
Insider NJ columnist Carl Golden writes ‘‘Can’t Anybody Here Play This Game!?’‘
Insider NJ columnist former Senator Bernard Kenny writes ‘America 2024: A Matter of Life and Death‘
AROUND THE WEB:
Recent commuter experience for New Jerseyans ‘unacceptable,’ Amtrak exec concedes
Sophie Nieto-Munoz, NJ Monitor
- NJ Transit and Amtrak officials say they are trying to discover the cause of recent service meltdowns that left frustrated commuters stranded along the northeast corridor, sometimes for hours. Last week’s problems resulted in delays and canceled trains on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and led New Jersey’s House delegation to seek a federal investigation into the “chaos.” Executives with the two rail agencies met with Gov. Phil Murphy in Newark on Thursday and said they’ll collaborate to improve service for riders.
Kimberly Redmond, NJBIZ
- As part of a restructuring effort, office products giant Staples is eliminating 124 positions at its retail stores in New Jersey. In a filing with the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the Massachusetts-based retailer reported the layoffs will take effect Aug. 16 at various unspecified locations across New Jersey. A media representative for the company told NJBIZ the planned workforce reductions are not related to the closure of any particular New Jersey location. Currently, Staples has 56 stores statewide.
Improvements at Cape May County veterans cemetery a testament to ‘fallen heroes’
Issac Linsk, Press of Atlantic City
- Veterans, officials, and Cape May County community members gathered Thursday to celebrate the first phase of a beautification project at the Gerald M. Thornton Veterans Cemetery here. When Cape May County Commissioner Director Leonard C. Desiderio was first approached with the project, his idea was to create a mini Arlington for South Jersey.
What taxes and fees could increase if Murphy budget plan goes through?
John Reitmeyer, NJ Spotlight
- A business tax increase on wealthy corporations isn’t the only tax hike on the table in New Jersey. The proposed new business tax has gotten most of the attention and debate, but the new state budget coming together in Trenton this week could bring with it a number of tax and fee hikes, with everyone from wealthy corporations to parents shopping for school supplies among those facing cost increases.
Dredge the bay, just don’t dump it in front of our homes, Jersey Shore residents say to state
Steven Rodas, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- From Mike Pierro’s three-story Dock Road home, he has sweeping views of the wetlands that make up the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge.
Can anti-Trump critic Bill Palatucci even serve if reelected to the RNC?
Matt Rooney, Save Jersey
- The New Jersey Republican State Committee (NJGOP) will gather on Thursday evening before the big presidential debate, Save Jerseyans, and decide who will represent our state at the Republican National Committee (RNC). One of the two candidates for national committeeman is the incumbent (Bill Palatucci), Chris Christie’s oldest ally, former law partner, and a very vocal detractor of Donald Trump. The challenger is Don Purdy, chairman of the Atlantic County GOP who just received the former president’s formal endorsement.
These North Jersey counties are among country’s best for living off-grid
Lori Comstock, Newton New Jersey Herald
- Have you ever had dreams of escaping the bustling city life for a quiet, simpler lifestyle? Does the idea of long-term cabin living near a pristine blue lake, the closest neighbor a mile away, pique your interest? Or perhaps a secluded tract of land where natural resources are abundant, but Wi-Fi connection is scant?
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.
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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.