Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 7/30/2024
Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “It’s always been clear that Brian is driven by paranoia and recent actions like sending out this letter make it appear that he may be suffering from a more significant mental illness. We hope he gets the help that he needs, both for his sake and for his constituents.” – JC Mayor Fulop referring to Union City Mayor/Senator Stack as the Leroy Truth feud escalates
TOP STORY: Kamala Harris’ Choice for VP: Two Guys with New Jersey Ties
The Superior Court rejected an effort to remove RFK from the state’s ballot, according to NJ Monitor.
Police departments are getting creative to fill ranks amid an officer shortage, according to the Bergen Record.
The state is seeing a surge in the mini-wave of new COVID variants, according to NJ Spotlight.
Camden County and Camden City are joining forces to arrest illegal dumpers.
Over 200 boaters paraded through Cape May County waters to support Donald Trump, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
Middlesex County opened a new public health center.
The Monmouth Mall demolition began, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Rep. Pascrell’s staff say he is ‘breathing on his own’ and is readying for discharge after a two-week hospitalization, according to the Bergen Record.
NJCU was hacked by a ransomware group, according to NJ.com.
ICYMI: Menendez plans to resign, Governor will appoint placeholder; Biden withdrawing, and endorsed Harris, Dems scrambling to advance potential VP picks; Menendez saga still unfolding, Senator says there ‘seems to be an effort to force me into a statement‘, Murphy in position to appoint, Booker would lead expulsion effort; Menendez found guilty and faces a reckoning; Trump injured in assassination attempt; Norcross pleaded not guilty; Sherrill doesn’t want President Biden to run; Menendez verdict will come soon; Murphy signed budget; courts shaping political developments; Critchley, Marino statement on Norcross
Two of VP Harris’ choices for her running mate have Jersey ties – AZ Senator Kelly and PA Governor Shapiro.
A creative solution is taking shape on filling Senator Menendez’s soon-to-be-vacant seat, according to NJ.com.
NJ is moving money to Harris and Trump, according to NJ Spotlight.
Former President Trump returned to the Jersey Shore for a fundraiser, according to SaveJersey.
8 independent candidates filed to run for president on the state’s ballot, according to NJ Globe.
ICYMI: Ciattarelli, Spadea spoke at the NJHSR brunch; Baraka came out swinging for Harris; Menendez seat raises questions; NJSPBA endorsed Bashaw; Spadea launched ad hitting Ciattarelli; Bashaw slammed Kim; Sette planned, cancelled fundraiser for commissioner candidates; NJ delegates endorse Harris; Sherrill ahead of the game; SEUI endorsed congressional candidates; Kim tapped Bustamante as political director; Bashaw recommended Menendez replacements; McIver victorious in CD10 primary, eleven were vying; crazy rhetoric very bipartisan; Bramnick visited GW Bush; Jones says ‘coalesce‘ around Biden; HCDO tapped Wyche as ED; Ciattarelli unperturbed by Spadea; Wisniewski says Democrats should rally around Biden; Jones tells Dems ‘work harder’, ‘worry less’ as Dems fret over optics while considering options amid serious doubts; Davis elected Monmouth Dems chair; Bashaw poll shows close race; Spadea’s early win; Durr participated in a FDU forum
AG Platkin announced a working group to examine uses for secure youth facilities upon closure.
Assemblyman Inganamort introduced a resolution to tighten Iran sanctions.
Assemblyman DePhillips called for hearings on NJ Transit service disruptions.
Assemblymen McGuckin and Kanitra called on the AG to investigate the DOE for possible criminal coercion.
ICYMI: Way appointed Wolkenberg NJDOS COS; Murphy announced departure of Gutierrez-Scacetti; Murphy says he doesn’t think about his legacy; Murphy announced promotions
A recent political chronology of Garden State politics.
Download and read Insider NJ’s 2024 Insider 100: Legal publication.
Download and read Insider NJ’s 2024 Insider 100: Lobbyist publication.
Former Senator Bob Gordon discusses his career and insights on current events.
In Jersey City, Councilman Rivera joined O’Dea’s slate. Mayor Fulop and Union City Mayor/Senator Stack traded barbs, according to the Jersey Journal.
In Atlantic City, parties in the road diet lawsuit are in settlement talks, according to the Press of Atlantic City. The city is seeking restrictions of reptiles and dogs on the boardwalk, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Bernards, schools face bus and crossing guard needs, according to NJ Hills. The planning board pushed a vote for downtown redevelopment, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Bridgewater, the budget was introduced, according to TAPinto.
In Caldwell, the borough kicked a senior rent increase limit proposal back to the planning board, according to TAPinto.
In Chatham Township, Committeewoman Lois and a challenger clashed over a supposed refusal to debate, according to NJ Hills.
In Edison, the Amboy Avenue zoning change was kicked down the road, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Flemington, the town is seeking ways to pay for removing chemicals from drinking water, according to TAPinto.
In Keyport, the state promised a clean-up of lead-tainted debris on the beach, according to NJ Spotlight.
In Middle Township, a move is underway to separate Whitesboro from the town, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Millburn, the CFO provided an audit overview, according to TAPinto.
In Neptune, neighbors want an empty motel gone, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Newark, Governor Murphy defended the approval of a fourth Ironbound power plant, according to NJ Spotlight.
In Old Bridge, a Superfund site may not be the cause of beach slag, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Phillipsburg, former Mayor Decker passed away, according to TAPinto.
In Readington, the town will sell surplus properties, according to TAPinto.
In Sayreville, the town will vote on whether to save the 1909 old firehouse, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Union City, Mayor Stack claims ‘intensified harassment’ and death threats as the Leroy Truth feud escalates, according to Hudson County View.
In Watchung, the town is exploring hiring grant writing consultants, according to NJ Hills. School referendum projects are seeing progress, according to NJ Hills.
In Willingboro, no basements in homes is a hallmark of the town, according to Burlington County Times.
ICYMI: In Union City, an ongoing battle; in Union City, residents reacted to Menendez conviction; in Newark, Speight announced candidacy for Central Ward; in Wayne, debate popped up
In a guest column on Insider NJ, former Senator Kenny writes ‘‘A Republic — if You can Keep it’‘
In a guest column on Insider NJ, Christina Christodoulou writes ‘To Preserve Social Unity, Stop Dehumanizing Others‘
Insider NJ columnist Alan Joel Steinberg writes ‘Yes, I will Continue to Call Trump a Fascist Threat to Democracy. Because He is.‘
Insider NJ columnist Bob Hennelly writes ‘An RNC Field Guide from Inside and Outside the Armed Compound‘
Insider NJ columnist Tom Barrett writes ‘Mikie Sherrill is Right‘
Insider NJ columnist Andrew Leven writes ‘The Wrong Questions Are Providing the Wrong Answers‘
AROUND THE WEB:
NJ looks for ideas on how to use two prisons set to close
Joanna Gagis, NJ Spotlight
- The Murphy administration has made systematic changes over the last seven years to reform how young people interact with law enforcement in New Jersey. As one part of that effort, the state announced in 2017 that two youth detention facilities would close — the New Jersey Training School for male juveniles and the Female Secure Care and Intake Facility. To help brainstorm the most effective use of those spaces, New Jersey’s Attorney General Matt Platkin said his office is creating a new working group to come up with those ideas.
After women were hit by thrown bottles, police shut down Paterson Peruvian festival early
Joe Malinconico, Paterson Press
- A bottle-throwing incident at the Peruvian festival on Sunday resulted in minor injuries to three women, including one who is pregnant, and prompted police to shut down the event an hour early.
Cape May Republican Curtis Bashaw on running for Senate | The Point
Press of Atlantic City
- New Jersey hasn’t elected a Republican senator in over 50 years. Developer Curtis Bashaw hopes to change that.
Watchung Hills discusses nationwide trend of ‘chronic absenteeism’
Nicole Zanchelli, NJ Hills
- New Jersey students are missing more school than before the Covid pandemic, according to a statewide data released in April. The rate of chronic absenteeism, which is defined as a student missing 10 percent or more of the 180-day school year, spiked to 16.6 percent in the 2022-23 school year. That’s up from 10.6 percent pre-pandemic.
4th most efficient NJ school district is hammered by budget cuts
Rick Rickman, NJ1015
- The state is forcing a school district that already has one of the tightest belts in New Jersey to suffer through massive budget cuts. When it comes to spending per pupil, Toms River is the second most efficient district of its size and the fourth most efficient district in New Jersey out of around 600.
The Atlantic City most people don’t get to see
Dennis Malloy, NJ1015
- Most people think of Atlantic City as a gaming mecca or a place to see great shows in one of the many casino hotels. Sure, there’s that right in the middle of town and mostly on the boardwalk. For those of us who go there because it’s a great beach town, we see something completely different. On a recent Saturday morning bike ride from the south end to the north end of town I got a chance to capture some images you probably wouldn’t associate with Atlantic City.
The poisoning of Newark continues, and Murphy must stop it | Editorial
Star-Ledger Editorial Board
- For the first time, New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection has applied our landmark Environmental Justice Law, which is supposed to protect neighborhoods that are choking from dirty industrial facilities from further harm.
This N.J. agency had her money. Why was the payment held up?
Karin Price Mueller, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- Jacqueline Padalino, who worked as a Catholic elementary school teacher for 30 years, died in 2006 when she was 76 years old. Her daughters also became teachers.
Wanted: Poll workers. Must love democracy.
Matt Vasilogambros, NJ Monitor
- This week, a coalition of election officials, businesses, and civic engagement, religious and veterans groups will make a national push to encourage hundreds of thousands of Americans to serve as poll workers in November’s presidential election. Poll worker demand is high. With concerns over the harassment and threats election officials face, and with the traditional bench of poll workers growing older, hundreds of counties around the country are in desperate need of people who are willing to serve their communities.
Why NJ Shore residents better stop complaining about crowds
Mike Brant, NJ1015
- It’s the thick of the summer season at the Jersey Shore, and the crowds are everywhere. Weekdays? Weekends? It doesn’t matter. They’re here from Memorial Day through Labor Day and have no plans of going anywhere. For those who live at the Shore year-round, the summer season can be frustrating. The good part is that most of the year they have the entire region to themselves. When you go from Labor Day to Memorial Day, the beaches, boardwalks, and shore towns are much, much quieter.
Commentary: Stoking participation in Morristown government
Linda Stamato
- Municipal meetings, Jessica Stolzberg observed in the New York Times magazine, are “part theater, part dirge, (and) occasionally part circus,” a scene “as fascinating as it is frustrating, as enlightening as it is disappointing, a startling mix of civic failure and success—often in a single night” that keeps her coming back for more.
Former McElroy Deutsch CFO gets 5 years for embezzlement
Kimberly Redmond, NJBIZ
- The former chief financial officer of McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter LLP received a five-year state prison sentence after embezzling more than $1.5 million from the Morristown-based national law firm, according to the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office. During a July 26 appearance before Superior Court Judge Steven Taylor at Morris County Courthouse, John Dunlea was also ordered to restore the stolen funds. He must also pay $20,000 in restitution to the state.
Inside unique (and impactful) program that brings business and education together in South Jersey
Tom Bergeron, roi-nj.com
- The South Jersey Summer Institute for Educators — a unique and influential program that connects leaders in business and education — wrapped up last week. Its impact will resonate in the region for years to come.
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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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.