Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 8/20/2024
Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I never made any asks. Honestly, I didn’t even have any conversations about that with the governor’s team. For me, it was just about November 5th.” – Rep. Kim on the Senate appointment
TOP STORY: The Irony of Helmy
Governor Murphy announced a NJ Transit fare holiday from August 26th through September 2nd.
Governor Murphy selected former Chief of Staff George Helmy to fill the temporary Senate seat being vacated by Bob Menendez, announcing the selection last week. The Governor said that following the certification of the November elections, Helmy will step down and the winner will be appointed to the seat, giving a boost in seniority to either Democratic candidate Rep. Kim or GOP candidate Curtis Bashaw. Accepting the appointment, Senator Helmy said ‘if nothing else, if my short time in office can begin to restore a small measure of faith and belief in the honor of public service, then I shall have done my job correctly’.
Middlesex County is now the sole owner of the Heldrich Hotel, according to NJ.com.
A Monmouth University poll finds VP Harris picking up support amid signs of rising Democratic enthusiasm.
The NJDOL reported that the state’s labor market is showing signs of easing.
Noise pollution in the state is more than a nuisance, according to the Bergen Record.
The state is still accepting poll worker applications, according to NJ101.5.
The state is adding a new requirement to graduate high school, but a huge number didn’t do it last year, according to NJ.com.
The cost of owning and operating a car in the state is rising, according to the Daily Journal.
NJ police have shot and killed five people this year, according to NJ Spotlight.
Passaic County held their annual fair, according to NorthJersey.com. The county will synch up 71 traffic lights in five towns, according to NorthJersey.com.
Somerset County food banks are in dire need of food donations, according to MyCentralJersey.
Rep. Sherrill was confronted on the Afghanistan withdrawal by the Sussex GOP Chair at a town hall.
Rep. Pallone held a roundtable on a report on the Dobbs decision.
Rep. Gottheimer called for a train passenger’s bill of rights, according to NJ Spotlight.
Rep. Van Drew blasted NJ offshore wind as ‘not dependable’, according to the Asbury Park Press.
ICYMI: Aron passed away.; veteran journalist was the dean of the state’s press corps
NJ Democrats are in the house at DNC convention in Chicago. Democrats are enthused, following the gloom of nearly a month ago.
Former Senator Menendez ended his independent candidacy, according to NJ.com. Menendez asked a judge to throw out his guilty verdicts, according to Politico NJ.
Rep. Kim revved up his Senate campaign.
The NJDSC and Rep. Kim’s Senate campaign announced a coordinated effort for the general election.
In CD2, Rep. Sherrill endorsed Democratic candidate Salerno.
A lawsuit targeting county lines appears to be in settlement talks, according to NJ Monitor.
Former GOP Senate candidate Alex Zdan launched a new PAC.
Atlantic County Democratic commissioner candidates were endorsed by the NJLCV.
HCDO Vice Chair Diaz will lead the county’s efforts for the presidential race.
Union County Democratic Vice Chair Carter will lead the county’s efforts for the presidential race.
The Committee to Protect Healthcare endorsed congressional candidates.
Assemblywoman McCoy and Reynolds-Jackson and others held a ‘Toast for Kamala’ event.
ICYMI: Kim, Bashaw to participate in three debates; Sacco slammed Stack, who fired back
The feds are investigating a property flip involving two state Senators, according to Politico NJ.
First Lady Tammy Murphy announced the appointment of a chair and vice chair to the NJ Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority Board.
Senate Minority Leader Bucco and Assemblyman Torrissi support hearings on NJDEP EV rules.
Assemblyman DePhillips slammed the NJ Transit fare holiday as a ‘gimmick’ and demanded legislative hearings.
Assemblyman Barlas collected hundreds of school supplies for foster care children.
Assemblyman Simonsen is a singer in addition to being a legislator, according to NJ.com.
The NJBIA panned the NJ Transit fare holiday as ‘unfair’ to businesses. The NJ Chamber of Commerce said that it would be more beneficial to address NJ Transit’s fiscal woes.
ICYMI: Lawmakers heard calls to restrict pornography access
Former Rep. Rothman released his autobiography.
Download and read Insider NJ’s 2024 Insider 100: Policymakers publication.
Compliance Corner: Navigating ELEC Investigations and Complaints
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.
In Atlantic City, casinos aren’t seeing a summer tourism rebound, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Bernardsville, a town house plan is in limbo, according to NJ Hills. The controversial Palmer project was denied in a split vote, according to NJ Hills.
In Bridgewater, the budget was approved, according to TAPinto.
In Caldwell, a temporary expansion of police leadership positions was approved, according to TAPinto.
In Camden, the city is revising rules to help pay for former Mayor Redd’s defense, according to NJ.com. The city is cracking down on landlords and property owners with the trash law, according to TAPinto.
In Cherry Hill, the town saved Holly Ravine Farm from redevelopment, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. Schools banned cell phones in class, according to NJ.com.
In Clifton, the city will replace a water main to protect historic barns, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Dover, an arbitrator sided with the police chief in a confrontation with a councilman, according to the Daily Record.
In Freehold, opposition continues to a proposed warehouse, according to NJ Spotlight.
In Hoboken, the council is preparing for the ‘skip the stuff’ ordinance rollout, according to Hudson County View.
In Holmdel, the town is trying to buy an old stop to stop a dementia care village, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Jersey City, Councilwoman DeGise is expected to not seek re-election, according to the Jersey Journal. Insiders say council running mates provide insight into mayoral candidates, according to the Jersey Journal. The amended deals with the fire chief and deputy chief were approved, according to Hudson County View.
In Long Hill, its too early to tell if the town will participate in the affordable housing lawsuit, according to NJ Hills. Reichard-Eline was appointed to a committee vacancy, according to NJ Hills.
In Lyndhurst, riders urged NJ Transit not to close the Kingsland Station, according to the Bergen Record.
In Mount Laurel, the planning board approved a housing plan despite objections, according to TAPinto.
In Ocean City, a landmark amusement park is set to close, according to NJ Spotlight. Former Mayor Gillian passed away, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Palisades Park, cops are still working in a building with black mold, according to the Bergen Record.
In Peapack-Gladstone, the latest affordable housing project moved forward, according to NJ Hills.
In Phillipsburg, a Bloomsburg petition to move out of the school district advanced, according to Lehigh Valley Live.
In Plainfield, a tax exemption was tabled for a development, according to TAPinto.
In Ramsey, work has begun on a supportive housing complex, according to the Bergen Record.
In Roseland, a bond ordinance for roadwork was approved, according to TAPinto. A short-term rental ban was introduced, according to NJ Hills.
In Sayreville, warehouses were proposed, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Scotch Plains, a court dismissed a lawsuit against the town over the downtown redevelopment plan, according to TAPinto.
In Springfield, the town purchased a sewer jet in a co-op agreement with Millburn, according to TAPinto.
In Teterboro, the town is taking on its airport noise problem, according to the Bergen Record.
In Toms River, a developer says the town blew a deadline and must approve downtown apartments, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Vineland, the city is suing over factor cleanup costs at a fire HQ site, according to Burlington County Times.
In Westfield, the council is considering new regulations for driveway-delivered circulars, according to TAPinto.
In Woodland Park, a contract was awarded to renovate the library, according to NorthJersey.com.
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
Insider NJ columnist Bob Hennelly writes ‘America’s ER Code Blue‘
Insider NJ columnist Alan Joel Steinberg writes ‘Hubert Humphrey: The creator of the Harris-Walz “Politics of Joy.” The lead Jersey practitioner: former Governor Dick Hughes‘
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 Tom Barrett writes ‘Mikie Sherrill is Right‘
Insider NJ columnist Andrew Leven writes ‘The Wrong Questions Are Providing the Wrong Answers‘
AROUND THE WEB:
What does the history of rail service in New Jersey tell us about its ongoing dysfunction?
Dan Cassino, NJ Monitor
- Despite decades of promises and the efforts of governors of both parties, NJ Transit still isn’t working. This past summer saw days of mass cancellations and delays due to drooping power lines. The last time the service met its own goal of 94.7% on time was more than six months ago (and that’s even with their rather flexible definition of what “on time” means). As anyone who’s traveled to the European Union, Japan, or China can attest, rail service in other countries is generally faster, cheaper, and more reliable than it is here.
Is it time to retire New Jersey’s intricate flag design? How other states are updating
Philip DeVencentis, NorthJersey.com
- Keep it simple. That is the first tenet of good flag design, say flag-making experts at the North American Vexillological Association. In May 2006, the Boston-based group — the largest body of flag enthusiasts on the planet — published its bible on flag design. Its author, Ted Kaye, advises against using letters or seals, and he recommends that the number of colors be limited to three.
Separated by the Holocaust, sisters reunite ‘one last time’ in NJ: ‘She’s my everything’
Deena Yellin, NorthJersey.com
- Growing up in Poland in the 1930s, Helena and Barbrara Perendyk recalled enjoying a beautiful life − until the Nazis arrived. Their mother had died when they were young, so the two Catholic girls were sent to an orphanage run by nuns in Warsaw, the Polish capital. “They were very good to us, very nice people,” Barbara recalls. “We were happy,” and they looked forward to weekly visits from their father, she added.
Trump lays the groundwork to cheat in November | Editorial
Star-Ledger Editorial Board
- The tasks of municipal and county election officials are mostly clerical and benign, but they serve a bedrock function of the government. These are folks who tally the votes and ensure that there are no uncounted ballots, and then pass the numbers on to the state to be certified. And when the task is completed by this board of bipartisans – most of them appointees — they go back the next year and do it again.
A wake-up call for N.J. Democrats | Opinion
Ryan Spain
- The 2024 Presidential Election has galvanized the country, and rightfully so.
Intelligent, funny and a gentleman: How this Jersey City giant forged a century-long legacy
Mark Koosau, The Jersey Journal
- From Downtown development to pro football at MetLife Stadium to the advancement of multiple universities, few can boast the impact of Jersey City’s Frank Guarini. Born in 1924 across the street from Saint Peter’s University, he is a city success story: World War II veteran, lawyer, congressman, world traveler, real estate developer and a philanthropist.
This case is alarming: Is the AG’s corruption office up to the job? | Editorial
Star-Ledger Editorial Board
- The anti-corruption unit of the state Attorney General’s Office spent eight years investigating a Lakewood rabbi only to have the case blow up in their faces after some very embarrassing mistake.
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.
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!!