News: POLITICO New Jersey Playbook: Murphy's non-profit: Will we ever know the donors?

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

POLITICO New Jersey Playbook: Murphy's non-profit: Will we ever know the donors?

Feb 15, 2022

Good Tuesday morning!

I'm still asking: Will Gov. Murphy's not-technically-his-but-actually-totally-his political non-profit disclose its donors?

I still don't have an answer.

As Murphy was on his way out of Camden County College after speaking at Donald Norcross' campaign kick off, I asked him if he thinks this new 501(c)(4), chaired by First Lady Tammy Murphy, should disclose its donors. The group, Stronger Fairer Forward — not to be confused with the Murphy super PAC of the same name or the Daft Punk classic " Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger " — is obviously aimed at boosting the governor's national profile ahead of 2024.

"I'm gonna take a pass for the time being, but it's good to see you," Murphy told me.

And with that, Murphy disarmed me with kindness. It was nice to see me? Nobody's ever said that to me before. I'll never ask again.

Just kidding. Counter starts today.

DAYS SINCE MURPHY REFUSED TO SAY WHETHER HIS WIFE'S NON-PROFIT SHOULD DISCLOSE DONORS: 1

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "It was cancel culture at its worst." — Republican National Committeeman Bill Palatucci on the Cheney/Kinzinger censure resolution

HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Justice Faustino J. Fernandez-Vina (and since it's his 70th, happy retirement), NJM's Andrew Musick, Assemblymember DiAnne Gove, NJ Advance Media's Jonathan Salant.

WHERE'S MURPHY? No public schedule.

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

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WHAT TRENTON MADE

SOURCES: STATE BUDGET TO EXCEED $1 MILLION — Legislature approves Murphy's request to delay budget address until March 8, by POLITICO's Katherine Landergan: The state Legislature on Monday voted mainly along party lines to extend by two weeks the date by which Gov. Phil Murphy must deliver his budget address. Murphy will now present his spending plan for Fiscal Year 2023 on March 8, one day after the school mask mandate is to be lifted … Murphy had petitioned the Legislature to approve the extension so he could deliver the address in person to a joint session of the 120-member Legislature … Republican lawmakers voted against the measure, arguing that Murphy is making this change for political reasons, not scientific ones. Assemblymember Brian Bergen (R-Morris) said that by pushing back the deadline, the budget process will be a shorter one and criticized lawmakers for rushing through the process. 'Every time this legislative body comes to a crossroads … you always make the wrong choice,' he said. 'Our people pay every single time.'"

VAX MANDATE — State Supreme Court denies PBA request for stay of vax mandate for corrections officers, by POLITICO's Daniel Han: The state Supreme Court on Monday denied a request from the New Jersey State Policemen's Benevolent Association seeking to block Gov. Phil Murphy's vaccine and booster mandate for corrections officers. Details: In a 5-2 decision, the state's highest court denied a stay of implementation corrections unions were seeking as the mandate would undergo litigation. The denial means state and county corrections officers must get their first Covid-19 vaccine dose by Wednesday or run the risk of losing their jobs.

THOSE $470 LASER POINTERS AREN'T GOING TO BUY THEMSELVES — "Other Big Ten schools slashed athletics spending during COVID pandemic. How about Rutgers?" by The Record's Abbott Koloff and Jean Rimbach: "Rutgers University was the only public school in the Big Ten Conference to increase spending on athletics in the last fiscal year, during the height of the pandemic, running through more money than ever before while other schools on average slashed expenses by $25 million. Rutgers also had the league's largest yearly operating deficit, with a $73 million budget shortfall for the second consecutive year — a gap filled by revenue from students and taxpayers. The other 12 Big Ten public schools also showed average deficits of near $30 million last year, but all took steps to cut spending in anticipation of a loss in revenue because of the COVID pandemic. Rutgers reported the largest increase among the Big Ten Schools in coaching salaries for the 2021 fiscal year, which ran from July 2020 through June 2021. It did not reduce spending on administrative and support staff, while all other schools posted millions of dollars in savings in this area, according to a NorthJersey.com analysis of financial reports released last month."

WHAT GOES UP NEVER COMES DOWN — "Ten years in NJ property taxes: Rising, but kept (somewhat) in check ," by NJ Spotlight News' John Reitmeyer: "According to an NJ Spotlight News analysis, the average property-tax bill in 2021 would have been roughly $12,800 — not the actual nearly $9,300 — if the bills had grown over the last decade at the same rate they did during the decade before the 2% cap became law. In that analysis, NJ Spotlight News reviewed tax data and found that local property-tax bills have grown by no more than 2.4% year-over-year since the 2% cap went into effect in 2011. And average property-tax bills overall have grown by less than 20% since 2011. In the decade before the cap was adopted, average property taxes increased by more than 60%. And in some of those years, bills grew more than 7% over the year before."

SNOWFLACK. SNOW FLACK. SNOW IS WHITE. THINK ABOUT IT, MAN — "The thorny question of race at the heart of NJ redistricting," by InsiderNJ's Fred Snowflack : "Recognizing changing demographics is something everyone in public life must take seriously. Yet, the fixation on 'ethnicity, nationality and race' raises questions that some may not want to address. Do voters simply want to elect candidates from their own ethnic group or race, or do they want candidates who support their views? From a national perspective, Blacks are a minority in the U.S., but many whites voted – twice – for Barack Obama. Likewise in New Jersey, many whites have voted for our two senators – Bob Menendez and Cory Booker – both of whom are minorities. Even in legislative races, some minority candidates don't seem to need a minority district to win."

MEN UPSET ABOUT IT FORM OFFICE OF HOMELAND INSECURITY — "Murphy names first woman to N.J. top counter-terror post," by NJ Advance Media's S.P. Sullivan: "Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday formally appointed Laurie Doran to helm the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, making her the first woman to run the office. 'Laurie's extensive background in counterterrorism and counterintelligence will be tremendously valuable as she continues to lead NJOHSP and ensure the safety of all New Jerseyans,' the governor said in a statement. Doran has been running the office in an acting capacity since June. She replaced Jared Maples, who left to become head of security at the National Hockey League."

— Coughlin's food security bill package clears first legislative hurdle

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—"Gill joins push for nursing home deaths investigation"

—"A mom on a mission [Marilyn Piperno], new Assembly member eyes fair school funding"

—"Here's what New Jersey's transportation leaders say tops the list of urgent issues in 2022"

—"Booker says no to possible run for N.J. governor"

BIDEN TIME

DONTENTE — What fight? Murphy, labor leaders put on display of unity for Donald Norcross, by POLITICO's Matt Friedman: Despite frequent conflicts between North and South Jersey Democrats, the party put on a united face Monday to formally kick off Rep. Donald Norcross' reelection campaign. Gov. Phil Murphy and many of the state's top labor leaders gathered with Norcross (D-N.J.) at Camden County College, which the congressman recalled attending 40 years ago — he said he even took one class with his mother — before joining an apprenticeship program to become a union electrician. "Whether it's labor leaders, community leaders, faith leaders, other elected officials, college Democrats — Donald, we're all here for you. And this is richly deserved," Murphy said.

NJ PLAYBOOK REGRETTABLY ANNOUNCES THE RETIREMENT OF THE 'DAWSON'S GEEK' HEADLINE — "Rosario Dawson and Sen. Cory booker have split after more than 2 years as a couple," by People's Aaron Parsley: "Rosario Dawson and Sen. Cory Booker have called it quits on their relationship of more than two years, PEOPLE confirms. A source close to the New Jersey lawmaker says the former couple aren't dating anymore but remain good friends. (A Booker rep had no comment; reps for Dawson did not respond to a request.) Dawson and Booker first crossed paths at a political fundraiser for a mutual friend in summer 2018 … A couple that includes a U.S. senator and former presidential candidate and an actress who's also an activist must be able to juggle two busy schedules and frequent time apart, which they said they remedied with weekly meet-ups, FaceTime calls and romantic gestures like Booker's habit of reading to her on the phone and sending Dawson music."

—Apparently this breakup is old news. Marie Claire reported it in November. But it seems nobody noticed.

THAT'S ONE WAY TO REMIND EVERYONE YOU KILLED SOMEONE DRUNK DRIVING — " Ian Smith threatens legal action for false drug paraphernalia possession statements by rival," by New Jersey Globe's David Wildstein: "According to the Smith's attorney, Giancarlo Ghione, the Healey campaign told a New Jersey radio station that Smith was found to be in procession of hypodermic needles. 'This is categorically false as he was never found to be possession of hypodermic needles, as evidenced in the Atlantic County evidence report,' Ghione wrote in a letter to Healey. 'Your disregard to the truth gives rise to a level of malice.' … The allegations are connected to Smith's admission that he was responsible for a car crash that killed a 19-year-old Galloway man in 2007 … New Jersey 101.5 reported that Smith was in possession of marijuana and hypodermic needles at the time of his arrest. Smith denies the later part."

—"'Crisis response.' Afghans stuck in NJ hotels and Airbnb as resettlement overwhelms system"

—"New Jersey GOP could pick up a House seat, maybe two"

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LOCAL

AZISAS — "Hackensack PD had 'a lot of issues' in years past. Can an ex-detective turn things around?," by The Record's Megan Burrow: "The city has hired a consultant to examine the workings of its Police Department, which has undergone reform after a recent history of turmoil. Robert Anzilotti, the retired chief of detectives for the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office, is conducting the review through his company, R3 Strategies & Solutions. 'For years now we've worked to improve the Police Department' Mayor John Labrosse said. 'The department had a lot of issues. We had a police chief under indictment. We were sued by 22 police officers at one time. It was very costly for the city. Slowly but surely, the culture changes, and they've come a long way.' Hackensack is paying Anzilotti $60,000 to take a comprehensive look at the department, including its organizational structure, overtime expenses and community engagement. His report will be completed before the end of June, he said. Hackensack has faced a slew of controversies and costly lawsuits over the past decade or so. In 2009, the first two officers of what would eventually grow to more than 20 filed lawsuits against the city and former Police Chief Ken Zisa. Some of the complaints alleged that Zisa had coerced the officers to contribute to his campaigns for public office or they would be punished. The city has paid more than $8 million in settlements related to those lawsuits."

WOODLAND PARK TO CHANGE NAME TO 'PATERSON WEST' — "N.J. investor made a big bet on Paterson. Now it's paying off," by NJ Advance Media's George E. Jordan "William Procida has spent the past decade playing the long game in Paterson. Procida, who runs an Englewood-based private real estate finance company, learned to spot good bones early in his career as a key player in affordable housing in the Bronx and Harlem. He said he can see past the public housing projects, shuttered warehouses and aging downtown in the state's third-most populous city. Below the hard-scrambled exterior, Procida said, Paterson could be New Jersey's next hot urban destination waiting to happen, just like Jersey City, Hoboken and Newark. All it needed was 'money and expertise,' he said. Procida, 59, has quietly played the role of pioneer investor, awarding more than $100 million in construction loans considered too risky by commercial banks and other private funds. The idea was to push the marketplace over a tipping point."

THE ONE TYPE OF DONATION I WON'T MIND IF YOU DO ANONYMOUSLY — " EHT man, former freeholder in fight of his life to find a kidney donor," by The Press of Atlantic City's Lucia Drake : "James Carney has always considered himself to be a tough guy. The former Atlantic County Surrogate and member of the then Atlantic County Board of Chosen Freeholders has also served in numerous other local, county, state and federal positions, and he has endured his share of personal and professional jabs over the years. But now, the 76-year-old Pleasantville native and lifelong Atlantic County resident is in a fight for his life and could use a little help in his corner. After surviving kidney cancer in 1993, Carney was down to living with one functioning kidney. But progression of Type II diabetes caused that organ to go into full renal failure, and for about the past 18 months he requires daily dialysis to stay alive. His doctors told him the only medical option open to him now is kidney transplant surgery through a living donor … Privately, the Carney family has been trying for quite a while to find a kidney match by signing up for transplant lists and working with various hospitals. But as his condition became more dire, Carney said Tissot suggested they now expand the search and go public."

—" Newark cop charged with sexually touching Uber driver forgot his badge in car, police say"

—"Trenton council looks to ax 4 of Mayor Gusciora's directors"

—" Here are the 30 N.J. towns that sock homeowners with the highest property tax rates"

—"Bayonne keeps breaking glass ceilings"

—"Union will pay $1,200 per semester to students enrolled in Newark teacher training academy"

—"Hudson County Executive DeGise: It 'would be a grievous error' to move Harrison out of LD-32 "

EVERYTHING ELSE

NURSING HOMES — "Resident in cardiac arrest left for dead at nursing home, N.J. alleges, in scathing report citing widespread abuse," by NJ Advance Media's Ted Sherman: "One nursing home resident was ignored by a nurse and an aide for nearly an hour, state officials said, despite complaints of pain after a catheter became stuck in a motorized wheelchair. No efforts were made to resuscitate a 55-year-old resident, nor were calls made to 911, after the individual was discovered in cardiac arrest and not breathing on New Year's Day last month, investigators determined. The resident was ultimately pronounced dead. And during one two-week period from late December into January, not a single day went by when there were enough certified nurse aides were on duty to care for more than 450 residents, regulators found. At times, the nursing home operated with only half the staff mandated under minimum state requirements. Two years after getting caught in the glare of the national spotlight, when authorities discovered more than a dozen bodies stored in a makeshift morgue, health officials leveled a new litany of charges against one of the largest nursing homes in New Jersey. In a blistering new report obtained by NJ Advance Media, issued on Feb. 10, Woodland Behavioral Health and Nursing Center at Andover, labeled as one of the worst long-term care facilities in New Jersey, surveyors for the state Department of Health said the facility 'failed to appropriately prevent abuse and neglect' of its hundreds of residents."

—"NJ inflation: Energy, furniture, food soar, and retirees may need jobs to pay for it"

—" HBO's 'The Gilded Age' centers Black New Yorkers with help from N.J. professor"

—"[CentraState] hospital system CEO announces retirement"

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