News : POLITICO New Jersey Playbook: Lawmakers to public boards: Don't cut off public input

Friday, January 15, 2021

POLITICO New Jersey Playbook: Lawmakers to public boards: Don't cut off public input

Jan 15, 2021

Presented by Pre-K Our Way

Good Friday morning!

Lately, we've seen efforts by public bodies to clamp down on public comment. In December, the Rutgers Board of Governors voted to limit the number of speakers to 12 and give them two minutes each. On Monday, the Hudson County Board of Commissioners passed the first draft of an ordinance limiting total public comment time to two hours, after listening to nine hours of opposition to renewing their jail contract with ICE.

On the same day Hudson County commissioners passed that draft , state Sen. Joe Cryan and Minority Leader Tom Kean Jr. (R-Union) introduced a bill that would require anyone who wants to speak get three minutes, with no limits on the number.

The timing, Cryan told me, was coincidental. The bill was aimed at Rutgers, not Hudson County. But it would apply to Hudson County as well.

You may not be surprised to find that there is one gaping exemption in the bill : The Legislature itself, which takes public comment during legislative hearings but sometimes limits it.

Read more about it here.

WHERE'S MURPHY ? In Edison for a 10 a.m. vaccine mega-site visit, then in Trenton for a 1 p.m. coronavirus press conference

CORONAVIRUS TRACKER: 5,967 newly-reported positive PCR tests for a total of 549,840. 94 more deaths for a total of 18,162 (and 2,091 probable deaths). 3,638 hospitalizations 644 in ICU. 287,239 vaccines administered of 630,025 distributed, or 45.6 percent.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: House Energy & Commerce Staff Director Jeff Carroll, Bergen Republican Susan Yudin, Assemblymember Tom Giblin. Missed yesterday: Former Westampton Mayor Carolyn Chang

QUOTE OF THE DAY : "Tell the governor that he can stop and say hello; I promise I won't hurt him." — State Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg to then-Gov. Chris Christie's security detail on the Acela to Washington in 2016, after Christie passed her three times without stopping

PROGRAMMING NOTE: New Jersey Playbook will not publish on Monday Jan 18, which is Martlin Luther King Day. I'll be back on the normal schedule on Tuesday Jan 19

A message from Pre-K Our Way:

NJ's pre-k is now in 150+ school districts, with more beginning in early 2021! Despite this remarkable four-year record of achievement, there are 110+ eligible school districts that still wait. Let's reach a total of 200+ districts with NJ's pre-k in 2021. Fund substantial pre-k expansion THIS YEAR! Visit prekourway.org for more info

WHAT TRENTON MADE

WAIT, NOBODY ACTUALLY BELIEVES JAMEL HOLLEY AND BILL SPADEA? — Murphy: Vaccine skepticism isn't hurting New Jersey's inoculation effort, by POLITICO's Sam Sutton: Vaccine skepticism hasn't played as much of a role in suppressing demand for the Covid-19 vaccine as New Jersey officials had feared, Gov. Phil Murphy said during an appearance on MSNBC Thursday night. "It's frankly, and I'm knocking on wood here, it's less than we were expecting," Murphy said on "Deadline: White House." "Now, is there still skepticism out there? Yes. We've got big public service announcements and multiple announcements in multiple languages going into communities where there is particular skepticism for very rightful historical reasons. But I'm hopeful," Murphy said.

TOXIC TRENTON — "N.J. politics has a 'toxic culture' of sexual harassment. Here are 5 ways to fix it, landmark report says," by NJ Advance Media's Kelly Heyboer and Susan K. Livio : "After spending a year listening to women's #MeToo stories about being sexually harassed, assaulted and marginalized in New Jersey politics, a committee of top female politicians and lobbyists released a report Thursday calling for the creation of an independent investigative unit to handle complaints involving political campaigns and government … The proposed ELEC investigative team would bypass the state's 'male-dominated political power structure' to create a new place for women to turn to if they are harassed or assaulted, the recommendations said. Complaints could be made against anyone ELEC regulates, including elected officials, campaign operatives and lobbyists. Any criminal findings would be turned over to law enforcement. Legislation creating the new unit in ELEC, which comes with a $2 million price tag, would have to be approved by the state Legislature and signed by Gov. Phil Murphy."

PORTAL TO HELL, AKA MANHATTAN — NJ Transit finalizes Portal North Bridge funding agreement, opens bidding process, by POLITICO's Samantha Maldonado: NJ Transit CEO Kevin Corbett on Thursday signed off on the full funding grant agreement with the Federal Transit Administration that authorizes the agency and Amtrak to construct a new Portal North Bridge. NJ Transit also opened up a process to solicit bids for constriction of the project. The Portal North Bridge will replace the 110-year-old, two-track, swing-style Portal Bridge that spans the Hackensack River in Kearny. Before the pandemic, the bridge carried about 450 Amtrak and NJ Transit trains per day on Amtrak's busy Northeast Corridor. The structure often becomes stuck in the open position, delaying trains running in and out of Manhattan.

PRISON RELEASE — "For prisoners freed early during COVID-19, a changed — and sometimes lonely — world awaits," by The Record's Stacey Barchenger: "Deborah Johnson turns away from New Jersey's largest prison, a behemoth of concrete and barbed wire, and waits. She grasps the door handle of her bright blue sedan to steady herself and watches two white vans roll into the gravel parking lot … This morning, Ahmed becomes one of the nearly 2,900 inmates who have been released as part of New Jersey's latest effort to lower its prison population amid the coronavirus pandemic, a one-of-a-kind law that reduces sentences by up to eight months for time served as the virus ravaged vulnerable prison populations. But being released makes them vulnerable in a different way, reentry advocates and experts say, as they face the formidable challenges of finding homes and jobs and food. Finding those footholds amid a pandemic that has reshaped daily life for everyone can be even harder … The story of each person released during the pandemic is singular, but the early days of freedom for three New Jersey men reveal both the challenges they face and the role of outside support they so vitally need:"

WE NEED IRONWORKERS GUARDING THE ENTRANCES — "Sweeney: State House security needs to be strengthened, " by NJ Spotlight News' Colleen O'Dea: "As state officials stress publicly that they are prepared for a potential demonstration of armed protestors in Trenton on Sunday, the leader of the state Senate said it is past time to beef up security at the State House, noting that a December 2019 rally that drew thousands scared lawmakers. 'We really have to evaluate our security situation at the Capitol,' said Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-Gloucester) in an online meeting Wednesday with the staff of NJ Spotlight News. 'Before we shut down the State House, the governor's office is on the first floor. It's got regular glass windows … If you knew the governor was there, you could throw a hand grenade in, you could shoot. Because we're the society that we are — Americans believe in laws for the most part — we never had to worry about that before,' he added. 'Now we have to worry because we have domestic terrorists. We saw that in Washington.'"

I HOPE BRIAN BERGEN'S SON HASN'T SEEN 'LEPRECHAUN IN THE HOOD' — "Assembly passes diversity and inclusion bill. Heads to Gov. Murphy for approval," by The Daily Record's Jessie Gomez: "If he signs it, school districts will need to incorporate lessons that highlight and promote economic diversity equity, inclusion, tolerance and belonging in connection with gender and sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, disabilities, religious tolerance and unconscious bias. A supporter of the bill in its previous form, Assemblyman Brian Bergen (R-Morris) said he's against teaching young children about gender preferences and sexual identity. 'When I stood up for this bill previously it applied to very specific requirements that needed to be taught that were age-appropriate for 9 through 12th-grade students,' said Bergen on Monday. 'My son is 8 years old. He believes in Santa Claus and believes leprechauns come on St. Paddy's Day. There is a certain level of naivety that our children enjoy and we should really protect that.' Originally introduced last July, the bill only applied to students in grades 9 through 12 as part of the district's implementation of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education."

COMING NOV. 3, 2021 — " Undocumented immigrants in N.J. push for action after state misses deadline for driver's licenses," by NJ Advance Media's Sophie Nieto-Munoz: "In response to the state's [failure to] make a Jan. 1 deadline to provide a process for undocumented residents to obtain driver's licenses, a group of protestors rallied in Trenton Wednesday asking Gov. Phil Murphy immediately find a way to implement the law. Dozens of community members, joined by immigrant advocacy groups such as the Cosecha Movement, Let's Drive NJ and Wind of the Spirit, gathered in front of the Trenton Motor Vehicle Commission before heading to the War Memorial, where Murphy holds his coronavirus press briefings."

BETTER GET THIS DONE BEFORE WINTER. OH, WAIT — "N.J. restaurants could open to higher capacity and expand outdoor dining at no cost under new bills," by NJ Advance Media's Samantha Marcus: "A package of bills aimed at easing restrictions on to New Jersey restaurants trying to weather the pandemic is advancing in the state Legislature. Lawmakers on Assembly committees approved five bills Wednesday waiving permit fees for restaurants and bars expanding their services outdoors, allowing restaurants to meet social distancing requirements by erecting barriers, establishing rules for outdoor tents and heaters, exempting restaurants with outdoor tents from snow certifications."

THAT WASN'T SO HARD, WAS IT? — " Official wears wire after sewerage commissioners report bribery attempt," by New Jersey Globe's David Wildstein: "Two commissioners of the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission acted exactly as they should have when they immediately reporting a bribery attempt to law enforcement. Attorney General Gurbir Grewal charged Omid Bayati, a onetime aide to former Assembly Minority Leader Paul DiGaetano, with attempting to bribe a public official in a bid to obtain a promotion. The official mentioned in Grewal's statement was John Cosgrove, a former Fair Lawn mayor who was named to the sewerage commission in 2019. 'I can confirm that,' Cosgrove told the New Jersey Globe. … The NJ Globe has also learned Bayati attempted to influence another commissioner, Passaic Mayor Hector Lora. Lora never touched a PAC check that Bayati left for him at a local bar and instantly reported the incident."

—"Smokers are eligible for the COVID vaccine in N.J. The move has some in a huff, but experts say it's good policy"

—Catherine McCabe: " A commissioner's farewell and hopes for a stronger, fairer, greener New Jersey"

—"Garden State Equality Action Fund backs Huttle for Weinberg seat"

— Bill to temporarily bar prosecutors from running for office advances

—New Jersey may launch rebate program for electric trucks

—" Gov. Murphy has betrayed the Black community: A Q&A with Rev. David Jefferson"

—"N.J. gun permit applications are spiking. How fear brought unprecedented demand"

—" Beach pulls drop box bill after Patel scrutiny"

—"Probation officer who admitted extorting sex from woman on probation gets jail sentence"

A NEW YEAR, A NEW CONGRESS, A NEW HUDDLE: It was an ugly and heartbreaking week inside the Capitol, particularly for all of those who work on the Hill. How are lawmakers planning to move forward? How will security change? How will a new Senate majority impact the legislative agenda? With so much at stake, our new Huddle author Olivia Beavers brings you the most important news and critical insight from Capitol Hill with help from POLITICO's deeply sourced Congress team. Subscribe to Huddle, the essential guide to understanding Congress. It has never been more important. SUBSCRIBE NOW.

TRUMP ERA

BEN SHAPIRO — Nobody asked me, but since I've criticized media outlets before for uncritically allowing people to spread misinformation, I feel a personal obligation to weigh in on POLITICO's decision to give conservative commentator Ben Shapiro the reins to the national version of this newsletter Thursday. I understand the impulse to offer a range of voices (liberal journalist Chris Hayes authored Playbook the day before). But the day before Shapiro authored the newsletter, he made light of the people who carried zip ties into Congress. Shapiro has a history of anti-Muslim rhetoric . The newsletter contained what I consider bad faith false equivalence — equating "winks and nods" by Democratic politicians supporting the riots over the summer (he did not give examples), Bernie Sanders' claiming thousands would die as a result of a GOP health care bill and a smattering of Democrats protesting the 2016 election results — to a president whose lies about the election led his supporters to violently attempt to overturn the democratic process. Hayes did nothing like that . I don't think Shapiro added anything worthwhile to our understanding of why most House Republicans wouldn't support impeachment. It was more about grievances with the media. Shapiro isn't the worst commentator out there, but I think there are many voices on the right side of the spectrum — some who were far more courageous in speaking out about what was happening during the Trump presidency — who would have been better choices.

UNSURERRECTION — " Here's what Rep. Sherrill said about Capitol 'reconnaissance' tours, investigation demand," by The Daily Record's William Westhoven: "'The group appeared to have targeted certain members of congress, especially prominent members of color,' she said. 'Some of these members relayed that they have offices that are hard to find.' 'It's a complex complex. Navigating it can be difficult,' Sherrill said. 'The fact that this group seemed to know how to target certain members was really chilling to me.' The concerns all stem from Sherrill and some of her colleagues who say they saw an 'extremely high number of outside groups' touring the Capitol on Jan. 5. However, no direct link has been made between those tours and the insurrection the following day. That is what Sherrill wants investigated."

ZOOT SUIT RIOT — "Jeff Van Drew voted against impeachment, but America just wanted to talk about his suit," by The Philadelphia Inquirer's Allison Steele: "The South Jersey Republican congressman knew all eyes would be on him when he took the lectern Wednesday to speak against impeaching President Donald Trump for inciting last week's deadly Capitol insurrection. But online, Van Drew's attire might have gotten more attention than his arguments against impeachment … The look drew savage commentary from Twitter pundits, with some calling it a 'zoot suit' and comparing him to an old-timey gangster from a corny movie. One tweet paired an image of Van Drew with a disapproving screenshot of Meryl Streep's fashion-boss character from The Devil Wears Prada. 'None of the lawsuits against Donald Trump are as bad as this suit,' the comedian Samantha Bee wrote."

—Stile: "Trump impeachment: NJ House Democrats vote yes, but will the Senate convict?"

—Listen: "New Jersey Democratic congressman in swing district [Malinowski] explains his vote for impeachment"

—"N.J. sues U.S. military, wants feds to pay for tainted drinking water cleanup"

—"How are South Jersey teachers talking to students about the riot at the U.S. Capitol?"

—"Biden must end the pandemic, spur the economy. And then look to fix NJ/NY mass transit | Opinion"

LOCAL

UNLIKE THE SENATE RACE, MEHTA HAS A CHANCE TO WIN THIS ONE — "Mehta sues Singh, Shore News Network for defamation," by New Kersey Globe's Nikita Biryukov: "Rik Mehta sued perennial candidate Hirsh Singh Thursday, charging the perennial candidate flouted campaign finance laws by conspiring with a local news site that's been accused of running smears against individuals who refuse to advertise with it. The former Republican Senate nominee's suit claims Singh and the Shore News Network formed an illegal campaign committee and coordinated the publishing of false stories meant to damage his chances in the Republican primary. The site allegedly published repeated stories falsely claiming Mehta was racist and a Democrat and often echoed attacks launched by Singh, who is now running for governor after losing three primaries in four years."

ELEMENTARY CORRUPTION, MY DEAR WATSON — "Subpoenas issued in alleged Trenton Parking Authority patronage deal involving Watson, Shaw," by The Trentonian's Isaac Avilucea: "Political operative Bill Watson is accused of using his influence to get an ally a high-paying job, records show. The chairman of the Trenton Parking Authority's Board of Commissioners is being investigated for potential ethical violations. He's accused by two fellow commissioners of orchestrating and manipulating an alleged patronage deal that benefited former commissioner Perry Shaw III, according to a letter."

OFF THE LINE — " Three former county chairs urge against organizational lines in Morris," by New Jersey Globe's Nikita Biyrukov : "Three former Morris County Republican chairs urged members of the GOP County Committee there to oppose an upcoming vote on whether the party should adopt an organizational line. Former GOP chairs John Sette, Lois Johnson and Marilyn Cioffi in a letter warned Morris Republicans that adopting a party line there would weaken the party and open its coffers up to abuses. 'Open primaries give us a chance to bring fresh faces into our party. Does anyone really believe that eager, talented candidates, especially younger people, would stand a chance in a party convention against a long-term sitting county Commissioner?' the three chairs said. 'We say the answer is absolutely no, and that would be a shame.'"

—"Facing COVID vaccine shortage, Paterson appeals to Trenton for more doses"

—"Demand greater than supply as Hudson vaccination hubs wait for more doses for new phase"

—"[Salem City] School district pays $55K to settle gay employee's harassment claims"

—"Members of Jersey City's NAACP want branch president removed days before re-election"

KEEP UP WITH THE FIRST 100 DAYS OF THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION WITH TRANSITION PLAYBOOK: It was a dark week in American history, and a new administration will have to pick up the pieces. Transition Playbook brings you inside the last days of this crucial transfer of power, tracking the latest from President-elect Biden and his growing administration. Written for political insiders, this scoop-filled newsletter breaks big news and analyzes the appointments, people, and the emerging power centers of the new administration. Track the transition and the first 100 days of the incoming Biden administration. Subscribe today.

EVERYTHING ELSE

CONGRATULATIONS — "From addict on the streets to brand new attorney, N.J. man makes inspiring transformation," by NJ Advance Media's BIll Duhart: "Nine years ago Landon Hacker was seeking shelter under the Benjamin Franklin Bridge in Camden. His drug addiction had landed him there. 'I didn't care about anything,' Hacker, 33, said in a state court video recounting his [ascent] from the rock bottom. 'I had zero respect for the law, zero respect for authority and zero respect for myself.' On Wednesday he marked a milestone in his journey back to society. Hacker was sworn in as an attorney by state Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Stuart Rabner."

MY SOUL FOOD — " Celebrate National Bagel Day at these legendary bagel spots in North Jersey," by The Record's Rebecca King: "As North Jersey residents, it is our duty to seize any opportunity to eat a bagel. Driving by a bagel shop? Better stop in. A slight hunger pang? End it with carbs and a schmear. Bad day at the home office? Break for bagels. And the very bogus holiday, National Bagel Day, on Jan. 15? You bet your lox we're celebrating. Here are 10 legendary North Jersey bagel joints — they make the fluffiest, firmest, most flavorful bagels on the East Coast — to visit on National Bagel Day. You're welcome."

NOOOOO — " Release of 'Sopranos' prequel 'Many Saints of Newark' delayed again," by The Record's Anthony Zurita: "The much anticipated prequel will not be released until Sept. 24, according to a Variety report. The film was originally set to debut in September 2020 but was initially delayed to March due to the COVID-19 pandemic."

A message from Pre-K Our Way:

In four years, there has been statewide, bipartisan support for funding pre-k expansion. NJ's pre-k is now in 150+ school districts, with more beginning in early 2021! Despite this remarkable record of achievement, there are 110+ eligible school districts that still wait.

There are eligible districts in every county. They're in rural, suburban and urban communities, and they're located across New Jersey, from east to west – and north to south. You either live in an eligible school district or you live near at least one. There are 3- and 4-year-olds still waiting for NJ's pre-k in each of these 110+ communities.

Substantial funding for NJ's pre-k will provide a strong start to a lifetime of learning for more of our children – and immediate support for their working families.

Let's reach a total of 200+ districts with NJ's pre-k – there are 110+ communities waiting. Fund substantial pre-k expansion THIS YEAR!

Visit prekourway.org for more info