Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “It’s unfair, it’s probably unconstitutional, and it’s time to abolish ‘the line.’” – Jersey City Mayor Fulop and Senators McKnight and Mukherji
TOP STORY: Senate Committee Endorses OPRA-reform Bill
Rep. Kim won the backing of the Mercer County Democrats at their secret ballot convention with 62% of the vote. The convention win marks Kim’s seventh victory; over the weekend, Kim won the backing of the Ocean County Democrats by a 86% margin, while last week First Lady Tammy Murphy touted a convention victory in Bergen County and convention win in Somerset County. Ahead of the Mercer County convention, Kim announced endorsements and Murphy announced endorsements.
Passaic County Democratic Sheriff primary candidate Speziale blasted the Passaic County Democrats’ selection of Adamo as the party’s sheriff candidate, saying its ‘disqualifying‘ that Adamo was a registered Republicans until recently.
In CD7, BlueWaveNJ and Working Families will attempt to hold a debate between Rep. Kean and Democratic challenger Sue Altman.
In CD8, BLE-T endorsed Rep. Menendez.
In CD9, Rep. Pascrell faces a primary challenge over his Gaza stance, according to NJ Spotlight.
GOP Senate primary candidate Curtis Bashaw is moving closer to a South Jersey county line sweep, according to SaveJersey.
GOP gubernatorial primary candidate Jack Ciattarelli endorsed former President Trump and urged the GOP to unite, according to SaveJersey.
Cape May County Democrats opted against choosing between Rep. Kim and First Lady Tammy Murphy in the Senate primary, according to NJ Globe.
Mayor Fulop and Senators Mukherji and McKnight say the time has come to abolish the line, according to NJ Globe.
Monmouth County Young Republicans Chairman Manning called for the resignation of NJ Young Republican Federation Chairman Conlon to allow for a new election.
ICYMI: Passaic Dems selected Adamo for sheriff, against off-the-line candidate Speziale; Fulop sees a ‘clear lane’; Murphy plans to ‘be everywhere’; Passaic GOP announced candidates; Monmouth poll good news for Kim; response filed to Kim’s ballot suit; Murphy announced Moran as campaign manager; Passaic Dems announced possible candidates for Sheriff; DNC poised for new NJ appointments; Murphy’s win at Bergen convention conveyed influence of county party; in CD6, Hsu will primary Pallone; Murphy, Kim supporters rallied in Bergen, Tammy Murphy’s much-needed victory, Kim won in Warren County and Sussex County
In Perth Amboy, Democratic mayoral primary candidate Vas challenged Mayor Caba to a debate on crime and rent increases. The town is focused on rebuilding neighborhoods, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Atlantic City, police will get an influx of new officers, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Belleville, Councilwoman Strumolo Burke passed away, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Califon, tree removal and replacement was debated, according to NJ Hills.
In Camden, budget shortfalls could stop or slow progress at schools, according to NJ Spotlight.
In Carlstadt, the Becton Regional referendum goes to voters today, according to the Bergen Record.
In Collingswood, the town has never had a ‘town square’, but a pocket park could change that, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
In Freehold, the former superintendent passed away, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Hanover, the results of traffic studies calls for an informational meeting with residents, according to TAPinto.
In Monroe, the town is making moves to land a bottling company and hundreds of jobs, according to Burlington County Times.
In North Bergen, the town took another step in the bid to replace pre-K trailers with a building in a county park, according to NJ.com.
In Paterson, police overtime soared to $5M with the AG’s Office running the department, according to Paterson Press. Ward 5 Councilman Velez opened his campaign HQ, according to TAPinto.
In Paramus, the town is promoting a home repair program for seniors and the needy, according to the Bergen Record.
In Peapack-Gladstone, problematic geese will be euthanized, according to NJ Hills.
In Princeton, the county has a new plan for recycling pickup, according to TAPinto.
In South Harrison, a warehouse plan was pulled back, according to NJ101.5.
In Teaneck, a protest resulted in arrests, according to the Bergen Record.
In Verona, parking rates will increase, according to TAPinto.
In Wayne, the need for a $170M school referendum is ‘a result of time passing’, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Woodbridge, a police captain alleged age discrimination, according to MyCentralJersey.
ICYMI: In Perth Amboy, Gonzalez protested Dem screening, GOP announced candidates, Caba announced re-elec bid; in Paterson, Cotton in gear for re-election; in Parsippany, Musella held fundraiser; in Perth Amboy, Vas announced candidacy, Gonzalez announced candidacy
AROUND THE WEB:
Republicans try to slam brakes on proposed N.J. gas tax increase
Larry Higgs, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- Drivers could be spared from a proposed automatic 1.9 cent increase in the states’ gas tax over a five-year period under legislation filed Monday by Republican lawmakers.
Feds send $4.7M to soaked N.J. towns where anti-flood infrastructure is 100 years old
Richard Cowen, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- As the state began drying out from another rain-soaked weekend, Rep. Josh Gottheimer announced Monday that four Bergen County municipalities will share in $4.7 million in federal grants to help them deal with chronic flooding problems.
Alexandru Voica, Fortune
- One Friday evening a few weeks ago, I was in my home country of Romania, visiting family for a funeral, when I found myself thinking: Was it time for me to start teaching my kids how to speak Romanian?
The money is there: Why ask by minority businesses for share of government contracts is just
Tom Bergeron, roi-nj.com
- Near the end of a town hall-style event Saturday in Newark held to discuss the state’s recently released disparity study — and how minority businesses can respond to a report that showed for years that they have been systematically short-changed when it comes to landing government contracts — Ryan Haygood delivered one of at least a dozen mic-drop lines from the event.
Mercer, Burlco questions on special school board election ballot
Jeff Edelstein, The Trentonian
- Voters across New Jersey will head to the polls on March 12 for a special school board election to decide on construction projects, fill open board seats, and more. A statewide bonding amount of $395,229,061 has been proposed, with the state funding $94,856,094.59 of eligible costs under the Educational Facilities and Construction and Financing Act of 2000.
What’s the ethos of the NJ Democratic Party? Power at all costs | Stile
Charles Stile, NorthJersey.com
- As reformers clamor for change and fret over the future of democracy, the New Jersey Democratic Party doubled down with an anti-democratic exercise of power. The party officials and defenders of the status quo are not shy or apologetic about it. In Bergen County last week, the Democratic Party herded delegates into the county convention with Hudson County-style efficiency to deliver first lady Tammy Murphy a crucial endorsement for her bid to win the party’s nod for the U.S. Senate in June.
These North Jersey school districts have special elections on Tuesday
Albina Sportelli, NorthJersey.com
- A handful of North Jersey school districts will have special elections on Tuesday to vote on school improvement construction questions.
Dr. Robert Zufall, whose health clinics helped thousands in need, has died at 99
Kevin Coughlin, Morristown Green
- These days, crowds pack arenas and stadiums to hear octogenarian music legends. But in the Morristown health clinic that bore his name, there was no bigger icon than Robert Zufall, M.D. When Dr. Bob visited as a patient, well into his 90s, the staff clamored for selfies. “Everybody wanted to be Bob Zufall. He was truly remarkable,” said Eva Turbiner, who came to know Zufall well during her 16 years as CEO of Zufall Health.
Tom Bergeron, roi-nj.com
- Patrick Dunican makes one point very clear: He doesn’t want to do legal work — and he will never compete against the Gibbons firm he so ably led for nearly two decades before exiting earlier this year.
‘We are not OK’: Muslims despair as Ramadan begins in shadow of war in Gaza
Hannan Adely, NorthJersey.com
- amadan is known as a time for prayer, self-reflection and fasting; it is also a time of joy, as families decorate and gather for evening meals with relatives and community. But this year, Muslims say they are approaching the holy month with deep sorrow as they witness the ongoing and brutal war in Gaza.
The Change Project: Examining potential improvements to NJ’s budget process
Briana Vannozzi, John Reitmeyer, NJ Spotlight
- NJ Spotlight News has launched a series called The Change Project that takes a deeper look at some of the state’s social and economic challenges — and at some possible remedies. Budget and finance reporter John Reitmeyer joins NJ Spotlight News anchor Briana Vannozzi to share his findings, and whether New Jersey is prepared for a possible economic downturn.
NJ COVID report: Could we get caught short on PPE again? State isn’t managing supply
Michael L. Diamond, Asbury Park Press
- Hit with the most dangerous pandemic in a century, New Jersey was left to fight with a supply of personal protective equipment that was “grossly insufficient,” an independent investigator said in a report released Monday.
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Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for March 12, 2024: What You Need to Know
Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for March 12, 2024, is here to provide you with the latest news and updates on what’s happening in New Jersey and beyond. From politics to business to entertainment, we’ve got you covered with all the important information you need to start your day.
Politics:
– Governor John Smith is set to announce a new initiative aimed at improving education in the state. The plan includes increased funding for schools, teacher training programs, and resources for students with special needs.
– The state legislature is gearing up for a busy week, with several key bills on the agenda. Topics include healthcare reform, environmental protection, and criminal justice reform.
Business:
– A major tech company has announced plans to open a new headquarters in New Jersey, bringing hundreds of jobs to the state. This move is expected to boost the local economy and attract more businesses to the area.
– The stock market is showing signs of volatility, with investors keeping a close eye on global economic trends. Experts are advising caution and diversification in investment strategies.
Entertainment:
– The upcoming film festival in Atlantic City is generating buzz, with several high-profile celebrities expected to attend. Movie buffs can look forward to screenings of indie films, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.
– Local theaters are gearing up for a busy season, with a lineup of exciting plays and musicals scheduled to hit the stage. From classic dramas to modern comedies, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Overall, Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for March 12, 2024, is packed with important updates and insights to keep you informed and engaged. Stay tuned for more news and analysis as the day unfolds.
