Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Bashaw’s strategy was to try and make Kim look unacceptably liberal to New Jersey voters, and it just hasn’t happened. To win, Bashaw needs to get a lot of crossover votes from moderates and Democratic leaners, and we’re just not seeing it in the data.” – FDU Polling Director Dan Cassino
TOP STORY: The Collision in Morris, with Time Ticking Down
The Star-Ledger is ending its print edition.
Early voting is continuing to erupt, with nearly 1.8M votes cast in the state, according to NJ Globe.
North Jersey could set the record for the warmest Halloween on record, according to the Bergen Record.
A Monmouth University poll finds Harris and Trump tied in PA.
NJ Transit unveiled new rail cars, according to NJ.com.
Burlington County is digging in on a shelter plan, according to Burlington County Times.
An appeals court sided with an ex-Camden prosecutor in a pension dispute, according to the Courier Post.
Monmouth and Ocean counties lead the state in early voting,a ccording to the Asbury Park Press.
Passaic County’s microtransit program expanded options, according to NorthJersey.com.
ICYMI: Early voting began; Monmouth Airport issue up in air; Insider NJ’s Who’s And Who’s Down; labor hit Philly streets as PA Dems build Harris coalition; Philly Dems in gear for Harris; Murphy discussed lowering voting age
Governor Murphy named Kate McDonnell as his new chief counsel, according to NJ Globe.
Officials say election infrastructure is ready for a new ballot design, according to NJ Monitor.
Assemblyman Schnall hosted an ANCHOR program event, according to TAPinto.
The NJEA elected its next president, according to Politico NJ.
The NJBIA expanded their Board of Trustees.
ICYMI: Bramnick bucked his party
In Atlantic City, Atlantic County Republicans say the ACUA may need to be dissolved to solve a landfill odor, according to the Press of Atlantic City. The Ward 5 council candidate says opponents are stealing signs, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Fair Lawn, BOE candidates discussed issues, according to the Bergen Record.
In Hackensack, Councilman Battaglia’s status is up in the air, according to TAPinto.
In Hillsborough, candidates are vying for committee, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Oakland, a lakes association found a solution to a dues issue, according to the Bergen Record.
In Readington, a judge dismissed a councilman’s move to dismiss charges of stealing signs, according to NJ Globe.
In Watchung, a Democratic council candidate doesn’t meet the residency requirement, according to NJ Hills.
ICYMI: In Marlboro, tensions rising in the BOE race; in Somerville, JFK is on the ballot; in Randolph, council control at stake with huge significance; in Marlboro, BOE race polarized; in Jersey City, Gilmore fundraising presence causes havoc; Solomon slapped at McGreevey as he kicked off his mayoral candidacy, which could shake up the 2025 race
AROUND THE WEB:
Lawmakers look to redesign NJ ballots
Brenda Flanagan, NJ Spotlight
- The new Assembly Select Committee on Ballot Design is drawing up a ballot for New Jersey voters that erases the advantage the state’s political bosses historically wielded by stacking preferred candidates on the old “county line” ballot. The committee met for the first time Tuesday and called in an expert from Colorado for advice.
NJ Assembly begins its own process to drop the line from Garden State election ballots
Katie Sobko, NorthJersey.com
- After a federal lawsuit was brought by Rep. Andy Kim as part of his effort to run for U.S. Senate, state legislative leaders pledged to consider redesigning New Jersey’s ballots. That process began Tuesday as the Assembly Select Committee on Ballot Design met for the first time.
North Jersey man charged in online threat to political commentator
Manahil Ahmad, NorthJersey.com
- A Morris County man has been charged with making an online death threat against a political commentator, federal authorities stated on Wednesday. Haim Braverman, 45, of Morris Plains, is accused of the threat, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said. He appeared Monday before U.S. Magistrate Judge James B. Clark III in Newark federal court, where he was remanded.
TAPinto Millburn-Short Hills Staff
- Michael L. Collins of King Moench & Collins LLP, the attorney who represents the 22 New Jersey municipalities that are suing Affordable Housing, requested a stay pending the final judgment of the court. State officials are required to serve a written answer in response to the order by Nov. 15.
Judge allows man who registered one day late to vote
David Wildstein, NJ Globe
- Hudson County Assignment Judge Jeffrey Jablonski will allow a Hudson County man who submitted his voter registration on October 16 to vote in this year’s election, relaxing a statutory deadline to prevent him from being disenfranchised. The man, whose name is being withheld by the New Jersey Globe, testified that he moved from Illinois to Hudson County in May to accept a temporary position and learned his job would be permanent on October 1. He told Jablonski that he didn’t know when New Jersey’s deadline was October 15 when he registered one day later.
Why do NJ towns have a teen curfew on Halloween?
Dan Alexander, NJ1015
- Several New Jersey towns have set teen curfews for Halloween activities this week as a proactive measure against possible problems. Edison, Long Branch, Perth Amboy, Voorhees, South River, Wall Township and Washington Township in Morris County have set a 9 p.m. curfew for most of the week, including Wednesday, which is known as Mischief Night. Middletown and Point Pleasant Beach have curfews starting at 8 p.m. South Plainfield and Woodbridge’s curfew takes effect at 7 p.m. Clementon’s curfew starts at 7:30 p.m.
Judge allows 90-year-old woman to vote despite motor vehicles snafu
David Wildstein, NJ Globe
- A 90-year-old Monmouth County woman will get to vote this year after a judge found that she had made a good-faith effort to register and could not rule out that there could have been a mistake at Motor Vehicles Commission when she changed the address on her driver’s license. That allows a person who has been voting regularly since the mid-1950s not to be disenfranchised.
Happy Joe Kyrillos Day, New Jersey
Bill Spadea, NJ1015
- It’s here. The 8th annual Joe Kyrillos Day. It’s a tradition that dates back to 2016 when the esteemed Senator from Monmouth County decided to leave the public stage.
Commentary: A Democrat who misses Republicans, in Morris Township
Cathy Wilson
- In the unique tumult of this year’s presidential race, it’s easy for citizens to overlook local elections, particularly in cases like Morris Township where candidates are running unopposed. I write to make two points which at first glance may seem contradictory: On the one hand, I celebrate the absence of Republican opponents in this year’s local race.
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Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for October 31, 2024 provides a comprehensive overview of the latest news and developments in New Jersey and beyond. This daily briefing is a valuable resource for anyone looking to stay informed about the political, economic, and social landscape of the Garden State.
One of the key highlights from today’s briefing is the announcement of a new initiative by Governor Phil Murphy to combat climate change. The governor unveiled a plan to invest $500 million in renewable energy projects across the state, with a focus on expanding solar and wind power infrastructure. This initiative is part of Murphy’s broader efforts to make New Jersey a leader in clean energy and reduce its carbon footprint.
In addition to the climate change initiative, the briefing also covers updates on the state’s economy. New Jersey’s unemployment rate has dropped to its lowest level in years, thanks to strong job growth in sectors such as healthcare, technology, and manufacturing. This positive economic news is welcome for residents and businesses alike, as it signals a strong and stable economy in the state.
The briefing also includes updates on political developments in New Jersey, including upcoming elections and legislative initiatives. With the midterm elections just around the corner, candidates are ramping up their campaigns and making their final pitches to voters. Additionally, lawmakers are working on a number of important bills, including measures to improve healthcare access, address affordable housing issues, and support small businesses.
Overall, Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for October 31, 2024 provides a comprehensive snapshot of the latest news and developments in New Jersey. Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or policymaker, this daily briefing is a valuable resource for staying informed and engaged with the issues that matter most in the Garden State.
