News: POLITICO New Jersey Playbook: Oh look, we're talking about Christie's presidential aspirations again

Thursday, April 22, 2021

POLITICO New Jersey Playbook: Oh look, we're talking about Christie's presidential aspirations again

Apr 22, 2021

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By Matt Friedman

Presented by Ørsted

Good Thursday morning!

People are talking about Chris Christie running for president. Did they ever stop?

An Axios article yesterday reports that unnamed friends of Christie's believe he's "seriously" considering running in 2024. Despite the article's claim that Christie "isn't saying anything about his thinking" other than a comment to conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, Christie's actually repeatedly floated the idea dating at least to early 2019 . So I suppose the scoop here is the "seriously" part, or the unique attributes his (for some reason) anonymous allies say he'd bring to the contest.

I don't doubt that Christie is considering running. What I find more interesting is the way this article was greeted on Twitter by members of the national media. Some appeared to take it pretty seriously, versus the New Jersey press, who largely gave the internet equivalent of a shrug.

That might be because Christie's gubernatorial team cultivated the national press and sometimes treated us locals like the stone they already stepped over on the path to the White House. It may also be because the New Jersey press corps bore witness every day to the depths of Christie's unpopularity during his second term.

I have no way to quantify this, but to me it's long appeared that the media is way more into Christie than voters. I'm sure Christie still has some fans imploring him to run. But what other candidate could perform as he did in the 2016 Republican primary and still earn so much media buzz?

WHERE'S MURPHY — At Metropark Station for a NJ Transit engineer training ceremony at 11:15 a.m. Media: WBCS 880 at 4:30 p.m.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY — NorthStar News' Walter Fields, South River Council Member Ryan Jones, former Bernards Township Mayor Al LiCata.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "I ran for mayor pledging to instill better communication between our police department and our community. Moving forward, we will be more engaged with the bicycling community to offer safety tips and the rules of the road." — Perth Amboy Mayor Helmin Caba

CORONAVIRUS TRACKER — 2,961 newly-reported positive PCR tests for a total of 865,733. 46 more deaths for a total of 25,271 confirmed or presumed eaths. 2,114 hospitalized, 455 in intensive care. 2,589,609 fully vaccinated, or about 29.2 percent of the population.

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WHAT TRENTON MADE

VIRTUAL INSANITY — Power struggles, rising Covid cases have stalled school reopenings in some New Jersey districts, by POLITICO's Carly Sitrin: Nearly 90 percent of all public school districts in New Jersey have re-opened for some amount of in-person learning, but in North Jersey, several big districts are struggling to get kids and teachers back into classrooms. The reasons are varied. In Montclair, a power struggle between the local teachers union, parents and school leaders delayed reopening plans for months, while in Jersey City, the mayor is blaming school administrators for not preparing buildings well enough to inspire confidence among teachers and the community. In Paterson, meanwhile, concerns about a spike in Covid-19 cases are driving decisions about reopening. After a tense public war — and several threatened lawsuits — between the Montclair school district and the Montclair Education Association over reopening, in-person learning resumed April 12 for pre-K through fifth graders. But the tug of war persists.

— "Number of virtual schools in N.J. has dropped 71% since September"

GATEWAY DRUG: LEGAL WEED TURNS LAWMAKERS INTO TWEAKERS — New Jersey lawmaker proposes tweaking which towns benefit as legal weed 'impact zones,' by POLITICO's Matt Friedman and Sam Sutton: Just two months after New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed into law a bill legalizing adult use recreational marijuana following years of negotiations and setbacks, a state lawmaker is looking to tweak which towns will benefit the most from weed sales. A bill introduced this week by state Sen. Vin Gopal (D-Monmouth) would add four municipalities in his district — Asbury Park, Long Branch, Neptune City and Neptune Township — to the list of designated "impact zones" that will receive priority for new dispensary and cultivation licenses, as well as the bulk of the tax revenue generated from cannabis sales across the state. "Towns as a whole might not meet the measures, but parts of that town may. And that's where the problem is," Gopal said of the new law.

THE NEW 'BURNOUT LAW' IS NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH THE NEW WEED LEGALIZATION LAW — "NJ police, firefighters can retire early under 'burnout' law. What you need to know," by The Record's Stacey Barchenger: "About 7,600 police and firefighters in New Jersey with 20 years of service are now eligible to retire early under a so-called burnout bill Gov. Phil Murphy signed into law Monday. The law allows first responders to retire after two decades of work, regardless of their age, and collect a pension equal to 50% of their salary. Previously police and firefighters could only collect the pension if they were also 55 years old … The nonpartisan Office of Legislative Services, which analyzes the financial impact of legislation, said the law could increase retirement allowances by $465 million annually if all 7,630 eligible police officers and firefighters took advantage of the retirement benefit … Representatives of the state's largest police unions told lawmakers just a small number of their members were likely to take the option, meaning the fiscal impact estimates were overblown and noted that the early retirement option would not include health benefits."

NURSING HOMES — Republicans offer little pushback to Persichilli's defense of pandemic response, by POLITICO's Sam Sutton and Matt Friedman: "Both Persichilli and Democrats on the Assembly Budget Committee blamed the state's inordinately high death toll on insufficient guidance from the Trump administration around viral transmissibility, as well as poor access to tests and other supplies during the initial weeks of the first wave. Republicans have repeatedly blanched over the Murphy administration's stonewalling of information related to its response, but on Wednesday seemed reluctant to press Persichilli over the administration's decision making. 'I wasn't going to touch on the nursing home issue,' Assemblymember Hal Wirths, a Republican whose district includes the nursing home in Sussex County where bodies were found stacked like cordwood early in the pandemic, said during the hearing. 'If it is not [the Department of Health's] fault, who is being held responsible?' Persichilli responded: 'I think there's a number of ways to answer that. The most obvious way — I'm not being glib — is the virus is at fault.'… Wirths followed up by saying he agreed with Persichilli.

EVICTIONS — "How will NJ courts deal with inevitable flood of eviction filings? Report suggests 18 changes ," by The Record's Ashley Balcerzak: "While New Jerseyans cannot be kicked or locked out of their homes through at least mid-July because of a COVID-related moratorium, tens of thousands of renters are behind on payments and face eviction once the moratorium lifts, putting both landlords and tenants at financial risk. To prepare for an "impending flood" of landlord-tenant cases, New Jersey should hire and train legal specialists, create a streamlined case settlement process and connect renters with financial assistance, according to a 69-page report released Wednesday by a special committee formed by New Jersey Chief Justice Stuart Rabner."

NJ PLAYBOOK AUTHOR TEACHES JOURNALISM AT THE XAVIER INSTITUTE — "Senate candidate claims he teaches at Kean University, but school says he doesn't," by New Jersey Globe's David Wildstein: "Jason Krychiw touts his work as a college level science lecturer in his Democratic primary campaign against State Sen. Joseph Cryan (D-Union), but his supposed employer says he doesn't work there. Krychiw told the New Jersey Globe on Wednesday that he teaches a 'Principles of Microbiology' class at Kean University two mornings a week, but that doesn't appear to be true. University records indicate that it's been nearly four years since Krychiw worked taught at Kean."

— " Women are on the ballot, but far fewer than male candidates"

— "22 N.J. mayors ask Murphy to waive outdoor limits for graduations. New rules coming next week, he says"

— Persichilli: Childhood immunization rates have fallen by 9 percent

— "N.J. gets a new sports betting competitor"

— " Post guilty verdict, reform champion Rice cuts through 'apple pie talk'"

SUBSCRIBE TO "THE RECAST" TO JOIN AN IMPORTANT CONVERSATION : Power dynamics are changing in Washington and across the country. More people are demanding a seat at the table, insisting that all politics is personal and not all policy is equitable. Our twice-weekly newsletter "The Recast" breaks down how race and identity shape politics and policy in America, and we are recasting how we report on it. Get fresh insights, scoops and dispatches on this crucial intersection from across the country and hear critical new voices that challenge business as usual. Don't miss out, SUBSCRIBE . Thank you to our sponsor, Intel.

BIDEN TIME

ECONOMIC ANXIETY — "N.J. man accused of assaulting Capitol officer wants to post $15M bond, backed by 16 relatives," by NJ Advance Medial's Kevin Shea: "The two men charged with assaulting U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick during the Jan. 6 riot portray themselves in court papers as educated, hardworking businessmen with deep family roots who have no prior criminal histories and deserve to be freed on bail. They are not members of far-right groups, and the evidence against them is suspect, neither entered the U.S. Capitol and they are accused of one, isolated act, they argue. Nevertheless, they pose no flight risk and will appear in court, they say in motions seeking to be let out of a jail in Washington, D.C. One man, Julian Khater, is ready to post a bond package valued at $15 million, consisting of five properties with $1.5 million in equity and backed by the signatures of 16 family members."

— "Open day programs for adults with disabilities in NJ 'now,' say families ready to protest"

— " Murphy, governors tell Biden it's time to park gas and diesel-powered vehicles by 2035"

— "'Moving on from Trump,' with a Nod to Reagan, Brotschol Readies for Run Against Sherrill"

A message from Ørsted:

LOCAL

WALKER BACK — "After fierce public backlash, Jersey City Public Schools to begin reopening on April 29th," by Hudson County View's John Heinis: "After facing fierce public backlash for announcing that the Jersey City Public Schools would continue remotely via a Sunday robocall, Superintendent of Schools Franklin Walker announcing this evening that schools will being reopening on April 29th. 'When The District made the difficult decision to remain closed, that decision was guided by science and the realities of safely staffing a district of 30,000 students for in-person and remote learning simultaneously,' Walker wrote. 'I recently met with Members of the Board and the Teachers' Union Leadership to further discuss reopening schools. The increased concerns of parents, especially those with young children, have made us reconsider the decision. Starting Thursday, April 29, 2021, we will welcome the students from PK to third grade who selected in-person learning with a 12:45 dismissal.'"

SHORT-TERM RENTAL THREATENS TO CUT DEFUSCO'S TERM SHORT — "Hay to Stay: Hoboken councilman addresses use of home as Airbnb rental during pandemic," by TAPIntoHoboken's Chris Halleron: "TAPinto Hoboken has learned that a property matching the Councilman's primary residence, 'hosted by Michael', is posted as a short-term rental on Airbnb, having housed a steady docket of various guests for the past eight months … According to Airbnb's listing, 23 reviews from a variety of guests date back to August 2020 — several months into the global pandemic, while state-mandated travel restrictions were in place. Reviews for the unit have been posted by tenants from areas that include Canada, Washington State, Ohio, California, Colorado, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida. To his credit, the 'Michael' has earned 5.0 stars across the board, thereby achieving 'Superhost' status on the short-term rental site.

—"5 Hoboken electeds, including ex-DeFusco running mate, denounce councilman's Airbnb rentals"

NEW WEED LAW COULD ALSO HAVE 'CHILLING EFFECT' — " 'Contain everything': Emails detail feud between Wyckoff schools, suspended principal," by The Record's Marsha A. Stoltz: "Reinstating suspended middle school Principal Christopher Iasiello would have a 'chilling effect' on the investigation of an October incident involving his daughter and other students, the borough school district argued before an administrative law judge on Tuesday. The online hearing was called in response to a motion by the principal seeking to end a suspension that began in January and that sparked months of speculation among Eisenhower Middle School parents after officials refused to explain his departure. On Tuesday, for the first time, Board of Education Attorney Stephen Fogarty stated publicly that, contrary to Iasiello's repeated denials, the principal participated in the investigation involving his daughter. Emails filed by Iasiello as part of his appeal also say the district accused him of creating a hostile environment for female employees, a charge his attorneys denied."

JAIL FAIL — "Rare trial underway to determine if N.J. jail did enough to protect inmates from COVID," by NJ Advance Media's Joe Atmonavage: "A rare trial during the coronavirus pandemic got underway Tuesday after a group of inmates at the Cumberland County Jail filed a lawsuit alleging they have been held under inadequate conditions at the facility amid the health crisis, putting them at risk to the deadly effects of the virus. At the core of the civil bench trial, which is being held virtually before U.S. District Judge Noel L. Hillman, is whether the jail implemented policies to safeguard inmates during the pandemic, as well as if they were routinely tested for the virus. County and jail officials argue they have provided the necessary protective equipment to prisoners, and have followed the protocols set by health professionals … In their lawsuit, Raymond Lamar Brown, John Clark, Desmond Rodgers and Todd Ford, Jr., who have been detained at the jail during the pandemic, allege they have been denied masks, refused cleaning materials, unable to socially distance from infected inmates and denied COVID-19 testing."

30.1 MASTROS — "In quiet election, voters approve 5 N.J. school district projects totaling $271M," by NJ Advance Media's Rob Jennings : "Voters in New Jersey approved school bond referendums in 5 of 6 districts on Tuesday, including the largest proposal totaling more than half of the approved new spending, according to unofficial results. In Clifton, a $168.2 million ballot question paying for upgrades at all 19 school buildings passed by a wide margin, with 2,861 votes in favor and 1,478 against … Voters in New Jersey approved schoolVoters also approved school district spending plans in Waldwick, East Amwell and Buena Regional, while rejecting a ballot question in Fairfield. In River Vale, voters approved two of three ballot questions totaling $40.8 million, while rejecting a third, $1.7 million question that was the only one of the school spending plans on the ballot Tuesday that did not include state aid.bond referendums in 5 of 6 districts on Tuesday, including the largest proposal totaling more than half of the approved new spending, according to unofficial results. In Clifton, a $168.2 million ballot question paying for upgrades at all 19 school buildings passed by a wide margin, with 2,861 votes in favor and 1,478 against."

— " Abysmal April school board election turnout 'unacceptable,' Murphy says"

RECUSE AC — "Atlantic County prosecutor failed to properly recuse himself in case, investigation finds," by BreakingAC's Lynda Cohen: "The Atlantic County prosecutor failed to immediately recuse himself from a case in which there was a clear conflict, an investigation by the Attorney General's Office found. Anthony Hargrove was arrested in May 2019, accused of knowingly infecting a man with HIV. The victim in that case alleged a conflict for Prosecutor Damon Tyner due to prior interaction, including the victim as a defendant in a case where he was later cleared. That December, all cases involving the victim were transferred to Cape May County to avoid any conflict, an Attorney General's Office spokesman told BreakingAC. But at the time, the Prosecutor's Office spokeswoman told BreakingAC that it was the prosecutor who asked the attorney general to step in to avoid any conflict. The victim said that wasn't true. On Monday, the victim's allegation was sustained."

— "Asbury Park rejected a stricter set of renter protections. Here's what happens now"

— " Should N.J. cops have seized teens' bicycles? Experts weigh in on controversy"

— "Gov. Murphy questions N.J. cops' seizure of bicycles, arrest of teen"

— " Middletown seeks to bar ex-cop convicted in NY DWI crash from future NJ public employment"

— "Camden's large-scale outdoor art offers 'A New View' of the city"

Did you know that POLITICO Pro has coverage and tools at the state level? All the state legislative and regulatory tracking, budget documents, state agency contact information, and everything else you need to stay ahead of state policy movement integrate into our smart and customizable platform. Learn more and become a Pro today.

EVERYTHING ELSE

'PARENTS ARE POWERLESS': Most American schoolkids have struggled with remote learning, and in some states they might be forced to repeat a grade. This morning, POLITICO's Recovery Lab looks at the growing controversy around laws that require third graders to repeat a year of school if they don't do well enough on standardized tests. In New Jersey, "mandatory retention" laws could force thousands if not millions of kids who fell behind during Covid to repeat a year… and the fallout could last for years.

— "Most of NJ receives failing grades for polluted air. How does your county stack up?"

— "Kushner family business unloads thousands of Maryland apartments"

— "Harrah's, Caesars in Atlantic City get $170M upgrades as promised at merger"

— " Sea Life Aquarium and Legoland at American Dream mall delay opening"

R.I.P. — "Steve Kalafer, N.J. businessman, owner of Somerset Patriots, dies at 71"

R.I.P. — "Joe Long, ex-Four Seasons member and N.J. hall of famer, dies from COVID"

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CORRECTION: Due to brain flatulence, in yesterday's Playbook intro I incorrectly referred to Jack Carbone as a lawyer for ELEC, despite previously correctly referring to him as a lawyer for gubernatorial candidate Phil Rizzo.

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