| | | | |  | | By Matt Friedman | | Presented by |  | | | Good Friday morning! In late June, Senate President Nicholas Scutari said he hoped to reconvene the Senate in August to take up the former Acting Attorney General John Hoffman’s nomination to the Supreme Court. Well, we’re approaching mid-August, and no date has been scheduled. With no date set for next week and Democrats headed to their convention in Chicago the following week, it’s looking very unlikely, though maybe not impossible, that it will happen before Labor Day. Why? I’m told that state Sen. Latham Tiver (R-Burlington) has still not signed off on the nomination of Hoffman, a Burlington County resident. That’s despite the fact that Gov. Phil Murphy in June nominated Southampton Mayor Michael Mikulski III to Superior Court, which David Wildstein reported was a prerequisite for him to have a “serious conversation” about allowing Hoffman’s nomination to proceed. It goes to show how New Jersey’s unwritten rule of “senatorial courtesy” — in which a gubernatorial nominee’s home county senators need to give the OK before the nomination can proceed — empowers even a freshman member of the minority party. (The other Burlington County senator, Democrat Troy Singleton, told me he signed off on Hoffman.) I reached out to Tiver about this but didn’t hear back. TIPS? FEEDBACK? Email me at mfriedman@politico.com. QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Get your minds out of the gutter” — state Sen. Michael Testa, tweeting a photo of himself holding an eggplant HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Christine O’Brien, Karen Jezierny, Barry Brendel, Braxton Plummer. Saturday for Maya Rao, Mike Linhorst, Edward Correa. Sunday for Ben Albert, Erica Daughtrey, Aileen McCandless, Tony Ghee. WHERE’S MURPHY? — Italy. Acting Gov. Way will make a media appearance here to discuss the severe weather forecast | | | | A message from Robert Wood Johnson Foundation: New Jersey can be a place where access to health is no longer a privilege for some, but a right for everyone. To reach that goal, we must acknowledge structural racism is a root cause of health disparities. Inequitable policies and practices were created by people. They can also be replaced by people, in favor of fairer systems that enable everyone to thrive. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has a roadmap for change. Find out more. | | | |  | WHAT TRENTON MADE | |
DO WE CALL IT PORK OR TAYLOR HAM? — “These top Democrats grabbed millions for pet projects in N.J. budget,” by NJ Advance Media’s Susan K. Livio: “Many requests came from the lawmakers who chair their the Legislature’s budget committees. Senate Budget and Appropriations Chairman Paul Sarlo, D-Bergen, was the primary sponsor of 15 resolutions adding more than $45 million. Sarlo’s requests include $10 million for the Fairview public schools. It also included $12.5 million for the Wood-Ridge school district, both of which fall in his legislative district in Bergen County. Sarlo is also the mayor of Wood-Ridge … State Assembly Budget Committee Chairwoman Eliana Pintor Marin, D-Essex, was the prime sponsor of 11 resolutions totaling about $81 million. Her requests included $1 million for operating aid for the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, $45 million for capital projects at University Hospital, Newark, as well as $25 million to raise the wages of personal care assistants who serve low-income people on Medicaid. Nearly half of the resolutions came from Senate President Nick Scutari, D-Union, and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, D-Middlesex, the two most powerful lawmakers in Trenton.”
— “Where did the Legislature dispatch pork spending in New Jersey's 2025 state budget?” CAN’T TOCHU — Facing possible divestment by New Jersey, Japanese conglomerate denies boycotting Israel, by POLITICO’s Daniel Han: A Japanese conglomerate is denying it participated in a boycott of Israel after the state of New Jersey said it may divest from the company for cutting ties with an Israeli defense contractor, according to records obtained by POLITICO. The Japanese conglomerate — ITOCHU, one of the largest trading firms in Japan — pushed back against the Murphy administration’s preliminary findings that the company triggered a 2016 state law that requires the state pension fund to divest from companies that boycott Israel. The dispute stems from ITOCHU ending an agreement with Elbit Systems, an Israeli defense contractor, in February. At the time, the chief financial officer for ITOCHU cited a United Nation’s court ruling ordering Israel to prevent genocide against Palestinians as factoring into the company’s decision to end a memorandum of understanding between ITOCHU and Elbit … . But in a June response to the state obtained by POLITICO through a public records request, company officials denied boycotting Israel. A company official claimed it maintained regular business with Israeli companies and still has a Tel Aviv office. OTHER PEOPLES’ PROPERTY TAXES — “Changes to school aid were supposed to ease property taxes. Here’s what really happened,” by NJ Spotlight News’ Colleen O’Dea: “The equation politicians pitched to property owners and taxpayers in New Jersey has been simple: Increases in school aid equal property-tax relief. But to more than 1 million property owners who have seen their local property taxes rise at rates higher than the state average, that formula doesn’t add up. An NJ Spotlight News analysis of state aid to public schools and property-tax data found that taxes rose in all but a small number of municipalities, regardless of whether a school district’s state aid was increased or cut. People living in districts that lost state aid were more likely to see the highest average property tax increases, but taxes also went up by more than the state average in a majority of districts that have had a net increase in inflation-adjusted state aid since the 2018-19 school year.” | | | | Breaking News Briefing: Where Tim Walz Stands on the Issues — The Democratic ticket is set now that Vice President Kamala Harris has named Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate. Join POLITICO Pro on Friday Aug. 9 for a detailed discussion with specialist reporters on what Walz's track record says about the policies he and Harris will embrace in the final stretch of the 2024 presidential campaign. Register for the Briefing | | | | |
OPIA — “Embattled N.J. public corruption unit acts tough, but can they win a conviction?” by New Jersey Globe’s David Wildstein: “Interviews with more than two dozen defense attorneys, judges, prosecutors, whistleblowers, and lawmakers show a growing concern that the state Office of Public Integrity & Accountability has become a paper tiger, with a noticeable inability to close cases — some allegations remain unresolved for years — and accusations of prosecutorial misconduct without checks and balances. Then-Attorney General Gurbir Grewal created the OPIA in September 2018 as a ramped-up office to ‘root out corruption and misconduct.' But nearly six years later, the OPIA has what many have described as a mediocre record on prosecutions that are more likely to get stuck in the mud than fulfill the initial goal of enhancing public confidence in government … Now, as the OPIA prepares to prosecute the biggest of fish, George E. Norcross III, some of his political foes wonder if the OPIA is up to it — and some of his allies are quick to mention the office’s dismal track record.”
THE THIN BLUE LIE — “NJ Transit police investigated for allegedly padding overtime, falsifying reports,” by The Record’s Colleen Wilson: “The NJ Transit Police Department's internal affairs unit is investigating police officers and supervisors who allegedly padded overtime with no-show court appearances and falsified police reports, NorthJersey.com has learned. Patrolmen, sergeants and lieutenants from the Newark Penn division of the transit agency’s police department are being investigated over accusations that they falsified police reports by saying they were subpoenaed to go to court when they really weren’t and still collected overtime pay, or had court appearances but did not go and collected overtime pay, according to a source with knowledge of the investigation who works at NJ Transit’s Police Department … Stuart Alterman, an attorney for the NJ Transit Policemen’s Benevolent Association, said, ‘I’m aware that there is a review of certain court time practices and that review is, I guess, it’s coming to an end shortly.’ He added: ‘I’m not sure exactly what the end result is going to be, but most certainly none of the officers have been involved in anything that would be intentional or dishonest or contrary to rules and regulations.’ … The alleged scheme largely took place in 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, when some courts began scheduling appearances virtually, which the source said allowed things to get 'manipulated and overlooked and people took advantage.'” — “[River Line] NJ Transit light rail trains are canceled daily. [Singleton] wants an investigation” — “Acting governor signs law strengthening job protections for immigrant workers” | | | | A message from Robert Wood Johnson Foundation:   | | | | | BIDEN TIME | |
BOOKER CLEARLY WANTS TO JUMP INTO MENENDEZ’S SEAT — “Booker hasn’t spoken with Menendez — but he has discussed replacements with Murphy,” by New Jersey Globe’s Zach Blackburn: “[New Jersey Sen. Cory] Booker has spoken with Gov. Phil Murphy about who to appoint as Menendez’s successor. Booker didn’t specify what his conversations with Murphy looked like or who he may have suggested for the role … ‘I think the governor recognizes that when you have an appointment like this, not only is it a chance to put a really qualified person in that seat, but also maybe make a little history or make a statement,’ Booker told the Globe. ‘And I’m excited about the possibilities he has before him.’”
— “Women Democrats say they are finally enthusiastic about November election” — “Young Republicans say economic issues are attracting voters to GOP” — “Carol Murphy on RFK bear incident: ‘Downright appalling’” | | LOCAL | | STACCO — “Sacco goes on a Stack attack, and the Union City mayor responds in kind, and unkind,” by The Jersey Journal’s Ron Zeitlinger: "Nicholas Sacco is going all in, scorched-earth on one-time ally Brian Stack. And Stack, never one to back down, pulled out his own blowtorch. The North Bergen mayor and former state senator lashed out at the Union City mayor/state senator Stack for calling him a coward and 'an outdated political boss from North Bergen' in a letter to Union City residents last month. Sacco said Thursday that Stack suffers from a ‘delusional paranoia, ... has a lust for power that is disturbing and unprecedented’ and that ‘every New Jersey taxpayer is financing Stack’s political machine. This isn’t just political patronage, it reeks of outright corruption.’ … It’s also the latest evidence of the split in the Hudson County Democratic Organization, along the Stack vs. Sacco and Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop lines. For the former North Hudson pals, it started when Sacco was forced out of his senate seat in 2022 by the redrawn legislative map. 'It’s not my fault that Nick Sacco was a lazy state senator and did nothing for the district,' Stack responded, within an hour of Sacco’s statement.” MAYOR SIGHS, REACHES BETWEEN TOWN HALL COUCH CUSHIONS — “One of NJ’s richest towns ordered to pay $115K for blocking affordable housing,” by Gothamist’s Mike Hayes: “One of New Jersey’s wealthiest towns is being ordered to pay more than $100,000 in legal fees, following an effort to block affordable housing development there. An Essex County Superior Court judge on Aug. 1 ordered Millburn Township — a tony North Jersey suburb located a half-hour train ride from New York City's Midtown — to pay roughly $115,000 to the developer and a housing nonprofit involved in the case. The ruling is part of an ongoing yearslong battle over a proposal to build a 75-unit affordable housing complex in downtown Millburn. Last month, the judge dealt the town a blow by ordering Millburn’s political leaders to readopt the original agreement for the Main Street project and move forward with the development plan.” | | | | During unprecedented times, POLITICO Pro Analysis gives you the insights you need to focus your policy strategy. Live briefings, policy trackers, and and people intelligence secures your seat at the table. Learn more. | | | | |
CAMDEN COUNTY POLICE NOW COVER MORE THAN ONE TOWN — “Camden County Police to take over Woodlynne Police Department,” by WHYY’s P. Kenneth Burns: “Camden County police will patrol Woodlynne’s streets in the borough of 2,902 residents once its police department disbands. A severe staffing shortage is the cause of the consolidation that will happen in the coming weeks, according to Edwin Ramos, the borough’s public safety director … Camden County Police, created in 2013, has largely been confined to the City of Camden after police chiefs across the county wanted nothing to do with it. County Police Chief Gabe Rodriguez said that starting Sept. 1, the department will be supporting Woodlynne with supplemental patrols.”
IN TOMS RIVER, SIX STORIES IS ‘HIGH-RISE’ — “Toms River mayor kills plan for downtown apartment towers that was already approved,” by The Asbury Park Press’ Jean Mikle: “A pair of six-story apartment towers planned for downtown became a potent symbol of ‘overdevelopment’ in town during the election last year won decisively by Mayor Daniel Rodrick and his team. On Wednesday, the mayor announced that he had terminated the redevelopment [agreement] between the township and Capodagli Property Co., the developer who planned to construct the two apartment buildings. Rodrick sent a letter to residents announcing the end of the redevelopment agreement, and also discussed it at Wednesday afternoon's council meeting. ‘I would like to announce that my administration recently terminated the High-Rise Development Project Downtown,’ the mayor said … Rodrick had made blocking the two towers one of his biggest goals for his first year in office. In February, the council voted 5 to 2 to hire Louis N. Rainone, a lawyer tasked with assisting in redevelopment and housing matters, from the powerful firm of state Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin.” — “Former Hackensack teacher's lawsuit claims she was fired for being pregnant” — “More firefighters to sue [Montclair], this time claiming a hostile work environment” — “Ramapo Indian Hills hires former Tenafly School Superintendent Shauna DeMarco” — “New superintendent a familiar face at Millville public schools” — “Hearing on connected restauranteur’s controversial Jersey City hotel plan postponed until October” — “Newark City Council Stands Against Conservative Policy Plan Project 2025” — NJ chapter of AAPI joins call for thorough investigation after cop fatally shoots woman — “Op-Ed: NJ Transit, please save Coach USA bus routes that serve Hudson County” | | | | A message from Robert Wood Johnson Foundation: New Jersey can be a place where access to health is no longer a privilege for some, but instead a right for everyone. To reach that goal, we must acknowledge that structural racism is a root cause of health disparities.
Did you know that Black babies in New Jersey are three times more likely to die before their first birthday than White babies? Or that the state ranks 31st in public health funding per capita?
Inequitable policies and practices were created by people. They can also be replaced by people, in favor of fairer systems that enable everyone to thrive.
A Policy Agenda for a Healthier, More Equitable New Jersey is a report from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation that serves as a roadmap for ensuring that everyone has the chance to live their healthiest life, no matter who they are or how much money they have. See the plan. | | | | | EVERYTHING ELSE | |
OFFICE SPACE — “Anybody want to buy a big NJ office building? Remote work leaves a quarter of space empty,” by The Asbury Park Press’ Michael L. Diamond: “When Commvault announced it would sell its sparkling headquarters in February 2023 for some $40 million to Ashling Development LLC and lease back 10% of the space for its own employees, it heralded a new era in remote work. The technology company's plan, though, ran into a snag. Employers were adopting work-from-home policies and retreating from offices so quickly that Ashling couldn't convince a lender to finance the sale. Sixteen months later, Commvault still owns the building. New Jersey's office market continues to falter, pushing availability rates to new highs. Companies that once took up hundreds of thousands of square feet are downsizing. Employers who want workers in person are revamping their spaces to make them cool. And some office owners have given up and decided to search for a new use.”
AN ITSY BITSY PROBLEM — “Possible waterspouts, downpours from Debby in the forecast for Jersey Shore Friday,” by The Asbury Park Press’ Ken Serrano: “New Jersey appears to have dodged Tropical Storm Debby, with the expected path to touch just past the northwestern part of the state. And that means much less moisture. Debby would have brought 4 to 8 inches of rain, Steve DiMartino of nynjpaweather.com. Now, we're looking at about an inch to an inch and a half between now and Saturday with most of it falling overnight Friday, he said. But being east of the tropical storm opens the state up to other weather hazards: thunderstorms, lightning and the possibility of tornadoes. ‘The folks along the coast do have the added risk of potential water spouts developing,’ said Mike Lee, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Mount Holly.” — “Tropical Storm Debby tornado threat increases for N.J. Heavy rain, flash flooding in forecast” — “Springsteen's just the beginning: 'Jersey Sound' documentary unpacks our music history” — “[Brookdale] college is launching an academy for adults with autism” — “N.J. man secretly used non-profit to siphon millions from Head Start Program” — “J-1 visa holders are back working at Jersey Shore at pre-pandemic levels”
| | | | Follow us on Twitter | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Ottawa Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | | |
Comments
Post a Comment