News : POLITICO New Jersey Playbook: The New Lorenzo's?

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

POLITICO New Jersey Playbook: The New Lorenzo's?

Oct 19, 2021

Presented by AARP New Jersey

Good Tuesday morning!

There's a new restaurant in Trenton that's hoping to take the place of the famed and long-shuttered Lorenzo's, where lobbyists, lawmakers and everyone else can get a drink together during busy legislative days. It's called the Lobby Club, and it's finally open, 18 months after it was first announced just ahead of the pandemic.

I've always felt that one of the great things about New Jersey's geography — its compact size, making even the longest intrastate journeys doable as day trips — has been to Trenton's detriment. You know how it goes. During big legislative days, lawmakers, staff, reporters and everyone else drives into the Statehouse garage, conducts their business and drives out. Deal-cutting meetings convene at diners and restaurants, and mass socializing takes place at fundraisers or the occasional statewide function in Atlantic City, or on a speeding Amtrak train. Trenton gets the disadvantages of being a state capital — massive non-property tax paying buildings — but misses out on some of the benefits you might see in other states. Maybe that's why a video advertisement for the new restaurant features drone footage of Newark.

It would be nice to have a central hub for New Jersey's political culture. But I'm skeptical of this new joint. Mostly because it's members only. The cheapest membership is $500 plus $50 a year. And the prices can go much higher — even before you order a $15 burger. As a reporter who owns one suit that still fits, it's not the kind of place you'll likely find me or other annoying journalists. But I guess that could be a selling point.

WHERE'S MURPHY? No public schedule but he will be on Fox 5 at 8 a.m. New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy will be with the U.S. First Gentleman Doug Emhoff in Newark and Elizabeth, times not announced.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "I never hear [DeSantis] warning people about how deadly this virus is. I think it's careless to just say, 'Go about your lives.' I've never said that… I'm not where Phil Murphy is …but I'm certainly not where Ron DeSantis is." — Jack Ciattarrelli on mandates

TIPS? FEEDBACK? HATE MAIL? Email me at mfriedman@politico.com

A message from AARP New Jersey:

AARP New Jersey is calling on candidates to make New Jersey a place where we can safely, affordably, and happily grow older.
50+ voters want lower prescription drug costs, retirement security, affordable housing, accessible transportation, and opportunities for community participation – which improves the quality of life for all New Jerseyans.
Learn where the candidates stand on issues that count for the 50+, and links to state resources on where and how to vote at aarp.org/njvotes.

WHAT TRENTON MADE

0.89 MASTROS — "'I don't think it was enough:' Sex abuse victims in Edna Mahan $8 million settlement speak," by The MyCentralJersey's Mike Deak: "A Superior Court judge has reserved decision on a $7.985 million settlement in a class action lawsuit for victims of sexual abuse and sexual harassment at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women. Judge Michael O'Neill said he had several follow-up questions and needed to "flesh out" some issues. One of those issues, the judge said, is whether inmates who filed a claim in the class action lawsuit can in the future file an individual lawsuit … About 10 inmates told O'Neill during the hearing that they objected to the settlement because they believed the money is insufficient or they do not understand the settlement. 'I don't think the money is fair enough to what happened to me,' said one of the victims … Under terms of the preliminary settlement, each inmate who submits a claim will receive compensation of at least $1,000 plus $20 per month (or partial month) that she was in the facility since Jan. 1, 2014, regardless of whether she directly experienced sexual abuse or sexual harassment."

MANDATE — No data on compliance as New Jersey's vaccine-or-test mandate takes effect for state workers, by POLITICO's Sam Sutton: New Jersey's deadline for state workers to get vaccinated against Covid-19 took effect Monday, but it's unclear how many employees are in compliance. "I don't know, at least off the top of my head, what percentage are vaccinated. It's a very high percentage," Gov. Phil Murphy said during his regular Covid-19 press conference. After the briefing, press secretary Alyana Alfaro Post told POLITICO that departments are compiling information about vaccination rates and that those figures will be released. More than 75 percent of eligible New Jerseyans are now fully vaccinated against Covid-19. The state's fully vaccinated population will likely surpass 6 million in the coming weeks.

—Video: "Teachers among plaintiffs in lawsuit over COVID-19 testing mandate"

—"No mask mandate advocates rally in Trenton"

PRO-VAXX — Pro-vaccine member poised to lead Assembly GOP, but one rival remains, by POLITICO's Matt Friedman: Assemblymember Nancy Muñoz, a retired nurse who is unabashedly pro-vaccine, is poised to become the next leader of the Republicans in the lower house, based on a deal cut with two of her former opponents. But first-term Assemblymember Brian Bergen (R-Morris) isn't dropping out of the race for the position, saying Muñoz (R-Union) — the longtime running mate of outgoing Assembly Minority Leader Jon Bramnick, a fellow moderate — doesn't have the voting record the caucus' leader should. "I am still running to represent the Republican Party in the Assembly," Bergen wrote in an email to POLITICO. "Nancy Muñoz cannot be the leader. You can't have a leader that takes positions counter to the cornerstones of the party platform."

TRUMP SUPPORTERS PROPOSE 'IT WAS RIGGED IF MY FAVORED CANDIDATE DOESN'T WIN' VOTING SYSTEM — "Approval voting: An electoral reform NJ could lead with," by Professor Lindsey Cormack for The Jersey Journal: "While the impulse to reform our electoral system is well placed, and stories about the positives of RCV are heralded by politicians like Andrew Yang, RCV falls short in practice and creates its own downsides. However, there is a lesser-known reform known as approval voting – used in St. Louis, Missouri, and Fargo, North Dakota – that can better achieve the goals of RCV advocates, and it's easier to implement for governments as well as easier to use by voters … Approval voting uses the same ballot style as single-selection elections, but voters can 'approve' of any number of candidates they like. The candidate who has the greater number of approving voters wins. It's intuitive, easy to implement, and mirrors the way most people make consensus decisions. If you've ever done a Doodle poll trying to find the best meeting time for a set of people, you've done approval voting. Candidates who win are those who have the most overlapping support from voters."

COVID RESTRICTIONS — "Gym owner that sued Gov. Murphy over COVID restrictions loses appeal," by NJ Advance Media's Josh Solomon: "A New Jersey appellate court on Monday ruled against the owner of a kickboxing gym who sued Gov. Phil Murphy over COVID-19 mitigation measures that she claimed stifled her business and led to its closure. It's the latest example of a court upholding orders state and local governments put in place to slow the spread of the virus. The decision affirmed a Sussex County court ruling that Darlene Pallay, the owner of a CKO Kickboxing franchise in Franklin Borough, was not entitled to any compensation from the state because of shutdown orders and capacity restrictions last year. Facing eviction last year before it was allowed to reopen at full capacity, Palley decided to shutter the business on Oct. 31, 2020. In his analysis of the case, appellate Judge Garry Rothstadt dismissed Pallay's argument that state law entitled her to compensation, or that the executive orders amounted to violations of the 'taking clause' of the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution, which prohibits government from private property public use without 'just compensation.' … Palley's argument hinged on whether the state 'commandeered and utilized' her workout studio when, in March 2020, Murphy signed executive orders closing gyms."

NOW WE BOTH HAVE $4 BILLION IN UNNECESSARY DEBT — "N.Y. MTA Eyes $4 Billion of Debt Due to Standoff With New Jersey," by Bloomberg's Michelle Kaske: "The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the largest public transit system in the U.S., is considering issuing the short-term debt as officials work to resolve a dispute with New Jersey over federal funds allocated to the region's mass transit providers. Congress approved the funding for the region in two coronavirus relief packages, with the states responsible for dividing up the money."

—"NJ sees boost in tax collections"

—WaPo: "The Trailer's guide to the New Jersey governor's race"

—"COVID and the N.J. governor's race: Where Murphy, Ciattarelli stand"

—Steinberg: "On Election Day 2021, the NJ Republican consolation will be Jean Stanfield"

—"Redistricting commission begins business with show of bipartisanship"

—" Betting on college sports, raffle proceeds for nonprofits on the November ballot"

—"Atlantic County legislative races stand out in quiet election"

— "How much did that toll cost your E-ZPass? Your phone now has the answer"

—Video: "Ciattarelli takes aim at cities with message of empowerment"

—Video: " Campaign to reduce police role in behavioral health issues"

STEP INSIDE THE WEST WING: What's really happening in West Wing offices? Find out who's up, who's down and who really has the president's ear in West Wing Playbook, the insider's guide to the Biden White House and Cabinet. For buzzy nuggets and details that you won't find anywhere else, subscribe today.

BIDEN TIME

R.I.P. — Colin Powell dies from Covid complications, by POLITICO's David Cohen and Quint Forgey: Colin Powell, an accomplished and esteemed four-star general who became the first African American secretary of State, died Monday as a result of complications from Covid-19, according to his family. He was 84. Powell was fully vaccinated against Covid-19, his family said in a statement posted to Facebook. Peggy Cifrino, Powell's longtime aide, told the Associated Press that he had been treated in recent years for multiple myeloma, a blood cancer that impairs the body's ability to fight infection. Kathy Giusti, founder of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, said in a statement Monday that Powell "was undergoing treatment" for the condition "but seemed to be responding well," noting that "immunosuppression is a well-known side effect of cancer treatment." With his death, the former soldier and statesman becomes perhaps the most high-profile American public figure to succumb to a so-called breakthrough infection of the novel coronavirus.

—"D-10 congressional challenger Oakley bests Rep. Payne 2-to-1 in 3rd quarter fundraising"

—"Namesake Union City school commemorates life of trailblazing four-star general Colin Powell"

A message from AARP New Jersey:

LOCAL

THE DEPRESSING SEQUEL TO 'WE BOUGHT A ZOO' — "Middlesex County zoo will close following calls from animal advocates," by MyCentralJersey's Cheryl Makin: "After animal welfare advocates raised concerns about the health and safety of the animals at the Johnson Park Animal Haven, the Middlesex County Board of Commissioners has decided to close the facility. The county announced the decision in a press release Monday, saying the animals will be moved to new homes at sanctuaries, zoos, and rescue farms across the state. The process to move all animals from the haven to new homes across the state is underway … The county came under fire in early September after floodwaters inundated the park, which occupies an almost 5-mile strip of flood plain along the Raritan River in Piscataway and Highland Park. According to FEMA, the entire park is a high-risk flood zone."

B.A.HOLE — "Trenton mayoral candidate calls BA 'a**hole,' bows out of 2022 race," by The Trentonian's Isaac Avilucea: "After claiming earlier this year that he was '99.9 percent' sure he was challenging embattled incumbent, and that he was 'going to win,' at-large councilman Santiago Rodriguez said he's dropping out of next year's mayoral race. And he also dropped the mic on one of the bigwigs in Gusciora's cabinet. Trenton's got too many problems, and Rodriguez rather retire than try to solve them. 'I'm not gonna run for mayor,' Rodriguez told The Trentonian. 'After all these investigations f***ing up the city? No, no.' The councilman was referring to a New Jersey State Commission of Investigation into the Gusciora administration's alleged corrupt procurement practices … The councilman turns 71 in December. That investigation isn't going to be completed in a few months,' Rodriguez said, adding he also isn't seeking a second council term. 'I'm just gonna retire. I'm too old. It would take at least eight to 12 years to get Trenton back. You have to be a younger person.' … The man known as the Puerto Rican prognosticator with 'cojones' waded into the anti-Latino controversy surrounding councilwoman Robin Vaughn. She has been called on to step down for asking Latino city BA Adam Cruz whether he spoke English during a recent meeting ... Rodriguez said the West Ward leader was just defending herself against the snarky 'a**hole" Cruz.' 'It had nothing to do with race,' the councilman said."

WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE. WE'VE GOT FUN AND CAMPAIGNS — "Amid indictment and scathing report, Bergen GOP sheriff candidate presses on," by The Record's Steve Janoski: "The shadow of those charges has loomed large over Kugler's campaign. He hasn't been able to raise the money necessary to take on his well-funded opponent, Democratic Sheriff Anthony Cureton. And Saddle Brook, whose police force Kugler led for nearly three decades, is about to halt his paychecks — township officials said the chief was initially suspended with pay, but that will change after his September indictment. Still, Kugler remained defiant in a recent interview. His campaign is strong and getting stronger, he said. And he accused Gurbir Grewal, the state's former attorney general and a Democrat, of bringing the charges against him to help Grewal's cousin, who is the vice chair of Bergen's Democratic committee. 'If a candidate like me has a resume that's pretty good, a law enforcement record and experience that's pretty good, and has been out there for many, many years — that person could be a challenge,' Kugler said. 'They know this. And I feel that's why they orchestrated these charges to give their candidate and party an advantage.' 'I think this is interference in a public election,' he said. When state authorities announced the charges earlier this year, Grewal's office said he recused himself to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest."

KING COLES — "Ray Coles is the unlikeliest mayor Lakewood could have. So why does he succeed?" by The Asbury Park Press' Joe Strupp : "Ray Coles admits he might be the last person you'd expect to become mayor of Lakewood. A German Irish, Catholic-school educated Staten Island native, Coles' background differs sharply from most residents in this growing Orthodox Judaism enclave that also boasts a strong presence of Spanish-speaking immigrants. But with nearly 20 years on the Township Committee — the last five as mayor — Coles has built a strong support base among the often-contentious groups that comprise a municipality on the rise. 'I like having different people all around. I hadn't experienced that before and I wanted to have my family experience that,' Coles, 63, said during a lunchtime interview at a local diner … But that legend and leadership is being tested more than ever in a community facing a population explosion, ongoing COVID-19 vaccination issues and a school district with both financial and operational problems."

—"Edison mayor candidates square off on warehouses, schools, affordable housing"

—" State lawsuit seeks remediation of former Camden Ship Repair property"

—"Judge dismisses lawsuit accusing Sussex County utilities authority of overcharging"

—" Atlantic City neighborhoods have food options, but no supermarket"

BECOME A GLOBAL INSIDER: The world is more connected than ever. It has never been more essential to identify, unpack and analyze important news, trends and decisions shaping our future — and we've got you covered! Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Global Insider author Ryan Heath navigates the global news maze and connects you to power players and events changing our world. Don't miss out on this influential global community. Subscribe now.

EVERYTHING ELSE

KOSHER KUSH — "N.J. medical marijuana exec took $1M in company money to fund Israeli dispensary, lawsuit claims," by NJ Advance Media's Amanda Hoover: "An ousted executive of a New Jersey medical marijuana company is suing his former employer, alleging that he was fired after flagging the improper movement of some $1 million. A lawsuit filed Friday in state Superior Court in Hudson County by Robert Moroni accuses Harmony Foundation's CEO Shaya Brodchandel of sending $1 million of company money to Israel for a personal investment. Moroni claims he was fired and removed from the board after speaking up. A spokesperson for Harmony called the allegations 'baseless,' and said the company 'looks forward to defeating them in court.' Harmony is one of just 10 companies actively growing, processing and dispensing medical marijuana in New Jersey."

NEW JERSEYANS HAD A LOT FEWER DOLLARS IN SEPTEMBER — "New Jersey has its first $1 billion month in sports betting," by The AP's Wayne Parry: "New Jersey's sports betting industry became the first in the United States to take in more than a billion dollars' worth of bets in a single month, in September, as football season sent more gamblers to sports books and, crucially, their phones, according to figures released Monday. Figures from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement show Atlantic City's nine casinos and the three racetracks that take sports bets collectively took $1.01 billion worth of wagers on sports last month, setting a new monthly record for both the state and the nation. Of that lofty total, known as the 'handle,' over $82 million was kept by the casinos and tracks as revenue after winning bets and other expenses were paid. The Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford, near New York City, accounted for half that total."

RWJ BYEBYEBAS — "RWJBarnabas system fires 118 employees for refusing to be vaccinated against COVID-19," by The Record's Scott Fallon : "One of New Jersey's first hospital and health care networks to impose mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations among all its employees has fired 118 workers for refusing to get the shots, a spokeswoman for RWJBarnabas said Monday. The 118 represent less than 1% of RWJBarnabas's 35,000 workforce. The announcement comes three days after the network deadline for all employees to be fully vaccinated."

OCEAN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MORE INCLINED TO HONOR DUTERTE — " The making of Maria Ressa: A look at the Nobel Peace Prize winner's Toms River roots," by The Asbury Park Press' Jerry Carino: "[A] mix of drive, curiosity and persistence fueled Ressa's extraordinary career in journalism. Earlier this month, when the 58-year-old won the Nobel Peace Prize for standing up to dictators and terrorists, it was a massive point of pride for the school district that produced her. 'It made my year,' Toms River North principal Ed Keller said. 'For our current students to know that somebody who walked the halls of our school was able to do something on a global scale, you just can't measure the educational value of that.' … At a time when education is under assault in some corners of society — witness the widespread harassment of school-board members, sports coaches and even school nurses — this is something to celebrate."

—"N.J. man wielded sword before being shot by cop in his home, AG says"

—"New Wittpenn bridge fixes old issues, but it's missing some exits"

A message from AARP New Jersey:

AARP New Jersey is calling on candidates to challenge outdated beliefs about ageist stereotypes, and to make New Jersey a place where we can safely, affordably, and happily grow older.
50+ voters want lower prescription drug costs, financial security in retirement, affordable housing, accessible transportation, walkable neighborhoods, and opportunities for community participation – which improves the quality of life for all New Jerseyans.
The 50+ vote is a vote for all. We count. Our issues count. How we vote counts.
Learn where the candidates stand on issues that count for the 50+, as well as links to state resources on where and how to vote at aarp.org/njvotes.