Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Perhaps the stash of gold bars is a little too much to stomach. Or maybe it’s simply one corruption trial too many. In any event, New Jerseyans say they have had enough and it’s time for Menendez to go.” – Monmouth University polling director Patrick Murray
TOP STORY: The Count of Monte Crypto
First Lady Tammy Murphy notched her second convention win last night, securing the backing of the Somerset County Democrats by a 66% margin, as supporters of both candidates rallied outside the convention hall. At the convention’s outset, there was an immediate dispute, with a call for a secret ballot. Following the win, the First Lady said conventions are ‘one piece of the puzzle’ and she plans to ‘be everywhere’ on the campaign trail.
Ahead of the convention, First Lady Tammy Murphy announced endorsements from across Somerset County.
Former Rep. Rush Holt endorsed Rep. Kim for Senate.
In CD9, Prospect Park Mayor Khairullah announced a primary challenge to Rep. Pascrell, according to the Bergen Record.
Passaic County Republicans announced their candidates, with Alex Zdan garnering Senate primary backing.
Cumberland County municipal chairs introduced a motion to vacate the chairmanship.
ICYMI: 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, eyes are now on Somerset; in CD9, Khairullah poised to primary Pascrell; ‘America First Republicans’ touring state; Bergen GOP announced recommendations, Barba bowed out; Speziale off-the-line candidacy kickoff; Insider NJ’s Who’s Up And Who’s Down; Currie rails against Speziale; Kim’s lawsuit line lawsuit ironic; Kim overwhelmingly won the BurlCo Dems convention and secured the backing of Hunterdon Dems after chaotic start giving him three-convention winning streak; Baraka guv candidacy implications and reverberations; Glass departed as Murphy manager; in CD2, Alexander wants another crack at Van Drew; in CD7, Kean strategy contextualized; Kean fundraiser; Baraka enters guv race
In Atlantic City, an attorney told the Housing Authority to protect residents as Stanley Holmes Village is redeveloped, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Bridgewater, an ordinance was approved to prohibit trucks on certain roads, according to TAPinto.
In Carteret, property tax reassessments are imminent, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Cedar Knolls, a new fire chief was sworn-in, according to NJ Hills.
In Englewood, more than 30 students were involved in racist texts, according to the Bergen Record.
In Irvington, the comptroller says an outside financial monitor is needed, according to NJ Monitor.
In Lakewood, a scathing report ripped the schools’ backroom decision-making, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Jersey City, Portside Towers’ residents aired more grievances to the council, according to Hudson County View.
In Morris Plains, Houston and Pontier announced council bids, according to Morristown Green.
In Newton, a former BOE member was remembered after a fatal crash, according to NJ Herald.
In Paterson, Councilman Jackson confronted cops over the parking crackdown, according to Paterson Press. The city will pay $1.8M to settle 8 police-related lawsuits, according to Paterson Press.
In Perth Amboy, a vacant waterfront lot is eyed for redevelopment, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Phillipsburg, the council says more work sessions are needed for rent control, according to Lehigh Valley Live.
In Somerville, the town is ‘reinvigorated‘ by developer tax breaks, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Tinton Falls, residents expressed concern with landfill odor, according to TAPinto.
In Toms River, fireworks broke out between the mayor and a group over celebration costs, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Trenton, a building collapse raises more questions, according to the Trentonian.
In Verona, sewer and water rates will increase, according to TAPinto.
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:
HMH plans first-of-its-kind health care facility
Jeffrey Kanige, NJBIZ
- Hackensack Meridian Health will break ground on a health and wellness center in Woodbridge near the Metropark train station during a March 8 ceremony featuring Gov. Phil Murphy and other officials. The health care system said the new $200 million, 60,000-square-foot center is the first such facility in the country located at a transit hub. Hackensack Meridian CEO Robert Garrett told NJBIZ that the location will provide “unprecedented access to health care not available before.”
Their time to shine — ROI Influencers: Women in Business list shows depth of talent in Garden State
ROI-NJ Staff
- It’s time to get with the times. We’ve grown tired of hearing from people who say they can’t find women to run their company, be in a top leadership role, sit on a board — or even be on a panel. So, we’re leaving them behind.
World Takes as Trenton Makes mess of successful star athletes
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- Ti-ii-g, they riding with you now, what happens if you’re down and out, Would they still have love for you? Ti-ii-g if you switched your life with Dwayne, would they leave you in the rain, in pain,Would they still have love for you?
N.J. school district will close before solar eclipse due to ‘concern’ about kids looking at the sun
Tina Kelley, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- Livingston schools will close early on April 8 to avoid any danger to students and families from the solar eclipse, according to a letter Superintendent Matthew J. Block sent home to families Wednesday.
Keep politics, pandering from N.J.’s transportation fund | Editorial
South Jersey Times Editorial Board
- There’s been a lot of talk about New Jersey’s gasoline taxes lately. One group thinks the taxes should go up. The other thinks they should be pushed down. And, of course, they’re all Democrats who control everything, including the state’s purse strings.
N.J. solved its abusive teacher problem, it thought. But a state investigation says it’s wrong.
Adam Clark, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- The “trash” is still being passed. That’s the conclusion of a State Commission of Investigation report released this week that found teachers accused of abuse or sexual misconduct continue to quietly change jobs, unbeknownst to their new schools.
Mayor Fulop, reinstate cops who used cannabis off duty | Jersey Journal editorial
Jersey Journal Editorial
- A lawyer for two Jersey City police officers who were wrongly dismissed for legally using marijuana while off duty accuses Mayor Fulop of refusing to reinstate them because he thinks it looks good for his gubernatorial campaign.
Critics warn senator’s bill to amend state’s public records law would gut transparency
Dana DiFilippo, NJ Monitor
- New Jersey lawmakers are set to consider legislation Monday that critics warn would gut the state’s public records law, threatening transparency in a state notorious for corruption. The bill Sen. Paul Sarlo (D-Bergen) introduced Monday is the latest legislative effort to add new hurdles to the Open Public Records Act, which was meant to expand public access to government records and is commonly referred to as OPRA. A series of bills that proposed similar restrictions failed to advance in the last legislative session.
Can New Jersey’s budget process be bettered?
John Reitmeyer, NJ Spotlight
- After state tax collections slowed to a trickle during the worst months of the COVID-19 pandemic, New Jersey policymakers responded by immediately cutting spending, including to programs aiding seniors and low-income homeowners struggling to cover the nation’s highest property-tax bills.
Beloved tiger dies leaving Ocean County animal refuge heartbroken
Jen Ursillo, NJ1015
- A popular animal refuge sanctuary in the Ocean County township is mourning the loss of another resident. The Popcorn Park Zoo in Lacey has announced that their beloved tiger, Eli died, following a recent decline in his health that caused decreased mobility and increased discomfort.
These famous people were not born in New Jersey, but are buried here
Matt Fagan, David M. Zimmer, NorthJersey.com
- Among the many graves of famous New Jersey natives in state cemeteries are those of notable individuals who moved to the Garden State, adopted it as their home and remain in their final resting place.
NJ Supreme Court rules on bullet dispute in Shlawrence Ross case
Jim Walsh, Cherry Hill Courier-Post
- When a Camden man charged with attempted murder had elective surgery to remove a bullet from his abdomen, investigators didn’t send a ‘get well’ card. Instead, the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office asked a judge for a search warrant in order to seize the slug as potential evidence against Shlawrence Ross of Camden.
July trial set for Lakewood SCHI founder after judge won’t toss corruption charges
Kathleen Hopkins, Asbury Park Press
- A judge Wednesday set a July trial date for Rabbi Osher Eisemann, rejecting a defense motion to dismiss money laundering and corporate misconduct charges against the founder of Lakewood’s School for Children with Hidden Intelligence (SCHI). Eisemann’s bid to avoid a new trial on the charges failed at a hearing Wednesday before Superior Court Judge Joseph Paone, who rejected arguments by defense attorney Lee Vartan that the case should be dismissed.
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Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for March 8, 2024 provides a comprehensive overview of the latest news and developments in New Jersey politics and beyond. This daily briefing is a must-read for anyone looking to stay informed on the latest happenings in the Garden State.
One of the key highlights from today’s briefing is the ongoing debate over a proposed tax increase on high-income earners in New Jersey. Governor Smith has been pushing for this tax hike as a way to generate much-needed revenue for the state, but it has faced strong opposition from Republicans and some Democrats who argue that it will drive wealthy residents out of the state.
In other news, there is growing concern over the impact of climate change on New Jersey’s coastal communities. A recent report highlighted the increased risk of flooding and erosion in areas like Atlantic City and Cape May, prompting calls for stronger action to address the threat of rising sea levels.
On the national front, the briefing covers the latest developments in the presidential race, with candidates from both parties ramping up their campaigns ahead of the upcoming primaries. Issues like healthcare, immigration, and gun control are expected to be key topics of debate in the coming weeks.
Overall, Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for March 8, 2024 offers a comprehensive look at the latest news and developments shaping the political landscape in New Jersey and beyond. Whether you’re a seasoned political junkie or just looking to stay informed, this daily briefing is a valuable resource for anyone interested in staying up-to-date on the latest happenings in the world of politics.
