News : POLITICO New Jersey Playbook: Amy DeGise faces the people

Thursday, August 18, 2022

POLITICO New Jersey Playbook: Amy DeGise faces the people

Aug 18, 2022

Presented by Anbaric Development Partners

Good Thursday morning!

Jersey City Councilmember Amy DeGise had to face the people for the first time since she kept driving after hitting a cyclist last month. And by people, I mean a lot of them. And by face, I mean avoid engagement while speaker after speaker called for her resignation.

Well over 100 people signed up to speak at the Jersey City Council meeting. They were also met by a big police presence, likely in response to threats she's received — though if you read the threats, some look more likely to have come from readers of, say, this Fox News article than her progressive critics at home. To get a sense of the meeting, check out the Twitter feed.

DeGise's father, Hudon County Executive Tom DeGise, last weekend authored a Trumpian Facebook post against the Jersey Journal for its reporting on the hit-and-run and the subsequent flood of negative DeGise stories that followed it, like on her failure to pay traffic tickets, her poor driving record and the lawsuits she faced over unpaid bills. I think the most damaging subsequent story was the Hudson County View's publication of a video of Amy DeGise trying to use political connections to get out of being towed after parking her unregistered car in an illegal space, disrupting traffic.

Among those who made sympathetic comments to DeGise's Facebook rant: Bribe-taking former Jersey City Council President Mariano Vega . And last night, one of the people who showed up to support Amy DeGise was former Councilmember Chico Ramchal, who resigned after pleading guilty to assault by auto and theft by deception, following his DWI arrest after crashing a city car late at night. Yikes.

What's clear is Amy DeGise's strategy of saying nothing and hoping this blows over isn't working. A lot of people are mad, and not just at her failure to stop after hitting a cyclist. It's because they believe that prominent Democrats, from her dad to Mayor Steve Fulop to Gov. Phil Murphy, are allowing her to escape the kind of accountability that the less-connected have to face, or the kind that those people would demand from their political opponents.

DAYS SINCE MURPHY REFUSED TO SAY WHETHER HIS WIFE'S NON-PROFIT SHOULD DISCLOSE DONORS: 183

WHERE'S MURPHY? In Nutley at 10 a.m. for a grand opening ceremony

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "Reading this book reminded me of watching a cat lick a dog's eye goo." — The New York Times' Dwight Garner reviewing Jared Kushner's new book, "Breaking History"

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

HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Rowan's Sean Kennedy, NJWEC's Drew Tompkins, Attorney Kevin Miller, former Star-Ledger reporter Claire Heininger Mehney, Jersey City spox Kimberly Wallace Scalcione. Missed yesterday: Former state Sen. Nick Asselta

A message from Anbaric Development Partners:

How offshore wind energy connects to the grid is critically important to the growth and success of the industry. New Jersey's clean energy goals cannot be fully realized without thoughtfully planned transmission. Anbaric's future-focused transmission solution will grow alongside the state's offshore wind industry. By avoiding costly grid upgrades and reducing impacts, our Boardwalk Power Link portfolio will support renewable energy for decades. Learn more about how Anbaric plans to fully support a carbon-free future.

WHAT TRENTON MADE

NEW REPORT FINDS THAT IF YOU BUY STUFF THAT USES LESS ENERGY, YOU WILL USE LESS ENERGY — New Jersey's long-awaited clean energy cost study is full of uncertainty and what-ifs, by POLITICO's Ry Rivard: A long-awaited study of how much the Murphy administration's clean energy policies will affect utility bills is now public, but it's unclear how useful the report is. One of the main findings of the study released Wednesday — which took nearly three years for the Board of Public Utilities to produce — is that using less energy will reduce energy costs. Another major finding is that Gov. Phil Murphy's clean energy policies could increase rates by 10 percent to 20 percent unless people use less energy, buy an electric car and rip out their natural gas appliances to install new electric appliances. BPU officials argue that the new ratepayer impact study has exciting findings, namely that energy rates could be less in 2030 than they are now for people who make many changes. But the BPU didn't study the costs of buying those new cars and appliances, which could be out of reach for many New Jersey residents. Because some of the report's findings may be hard to sell politically — "buy a new car to save money" isn't a great talking point — a few board members seemed to change the subject when the report's findings were presented to them Wednesday morning

SHE COULD BE A CONTENDER — Murphy picks former prosecutor to help police waterfront, by POLITICO's Ry Rivard: Murphy's nomination of former prosecutor Jennifer Davenport as New Jersey's representative on the Waterfront Commission comes two days after POLITICO reported the vacancy meant officials are unable to suspend a longshoreman charged with aggravated assault, weapons possession and other crimes. The vacancy has existed since May. The commission was created to keep corruption and violence away from the ports around New York Harbor. It is supposed to have one representative from New York and another from New Jersey, so it was unable to suspend the worker without a vote from New Jersey. The optics of allowing the worker to return to work because Murphy hadn't picked someone to serve on the commission made filling the vacancy seem more urgent. Picking someone like Davenport who has law enforcement experience represents a break for Murphy, whose last waterfront commissioner was an honorary member of the International Longshoremen's Association, the union of waterfront workers the commission was created to police.

KEVIN SPACEY NOT INVOLVED — New Jersey launches 'nation leading' affordable loan program at 3 colleges, by POLITICO's Carly Sitrin : New Jersey is launching a first-of-its-kind job training and loan program for hundreds of mostly low-income students at three colleges, an effort officials hope will be replicated across the country. Gov. Phil Murphy called the "Pay It Forward" program— which was first announced in June 2021 — a "nation leading effort" that is "truly Jersey-designed," and "Jersey-built." "We hope this is ripped off by every other state," Murphy said during an event Wednesday at Hudson County Community College in Jersey City. Though the announcement itself was light on details about who would be eligible, how the program would function in practice and how much funding is availabl

AULD LONG SYNE — Republican Testa representing former Democratic adversary before state Disciplinary Review Board, by POLITICO's Matt Friedman : Facing a three-year suspension of his law license after being convicted of tax evasion, former Cumberland County Democratic Chair Doug Long is getting help from a one-time GOP adversary. State Sen. Michael Testa, the Cumberland County Republican chair, is representing Long before the state Supreme Court's Disciplinary Review Board, court documents show. … Long, who is also a former Cumberland County freeholder, resigned as county Democratic chair in 2018 but his tenure had overlapped with Testa's leadership of the Republican Party for more than two years. Long was sentenced in December to 14 months in federal prison after he admitted to evading more than $250,000 in taxes. … His case is scheduled to come before the Disciplinary Review Board on Oct. 20.

—"Judicial vacancies poised to edge past 2020 high"

—Stile: " NJ faces a judicial crisis, and a certain unwritten tradition isn't helping"

—Opinion: "Expanding the Turnpike will hurt Jersey City and the climate "

—"The congestion pricing debate commences: A Q&A with the RPA's transportation policy expert"

—"In struggle to find teachers, schools look for help"

—" Judicial vacancies poised to edge past 2020 high"

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 our West Wing Playbook newsletter, 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

WILL GOTTHEIMER BE ABLE TO AFFORD THE $200 FINE? — "Four House Democrats just violated a federal conflict-of-interest law with late financial disclosures," by Insider's Madison Hall: "The law requires members of Congress to report stock and other financial trades for themselves and their spouses within 45 days of making them or face financial penalties … Gottheimer and his wife exchanged up to $15,000 of stock in Independent Bank Corp. in November 2021, but waited until August 2022 to report it, according to a financial disclosure he filed August 13. 'No shares were bought or sold here. It was just an exchange,' said Chris D'Aloia, Gottheimer's spokesperson. 'When our office was notified of this exchange on August 10 of this year, we immediately filed."

GOTBEEFHEIMER — Congestion pricing sparks war of words between New York and New Jersey, by POLITICO's Danielle Muoio Dunn: A top New York transit official lashed out at New Jersey Rep. Josh Gottheimer on Wednesday, slamming the congestion pricing critic for ignoring New Jersey's manifest contributions to traffic and pollution in New York … 'I haven't heard from the congressman from Bergen County his offer to give New Yorkers a discount or a credit on the Garden State Parkway,' [Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chair and CEO Janno] Lieber said … "When [New Yorkers] pay tolls to go to New Jersey, shouldn't they, by his logic, get a discount on the Garden State Parkway or the [New Jersey] Turnpike," Lieber continued, adding residents in New York also reverse commute to work through New Jersey.

—"Republican congressional candidates say Dem incumbents failed on SALT"

—" Biden signs [Pascrell's] bill to help police respond to those with mental health issues"

A message from Anbaric Development Partners:

LOCAL

THE SURVEILLANCE OF THE LAMBS — "Ocean County GOP spied on Toms River councilman to see where he lives, docs show," by The Asbury Park Press' Erik Larsen: "The Ocean County Republican Party wanted to know where one of its own — Toms River Councilman Justin D. Lamb — was living when the organization retained the services of a private detective agency to investigate him last April, according to a copy of the surveillance report obtained by the Asbury Park Press. Last week, some current and former Republican officials who authorized the investigation, suggested that Lamb's wife had been the target of their surveillance operation. Ashley Lamb, a Toms River Regional Board of Education member, ran unsuccessfully in the June primary for the Republican nomination for one of two seats on the Ocean County Board of Commissioners — challenging the party's incumbents for reelection. 'Justin D. Lamb … Subject: Surveillance Address Verification … Objective: Attempt to identify the subject Justin D. Lamb's true daily residence by surveillance and his activity at said address of (house number and street redacted) Toms River N.J.," read the cover sheet of a 30-page "confidential report" from On Target Law Enforcement & Security Consultants LLC., of Brielle.'"

REBUFFED — " Federal judge upholds buffer zones in front of Englewood abortion clinic," by The Record's Stephanie Noda: "A protest-free buffer zone that surrounds an abortion clinic in Englewood has been deemed constitutional after years of litigation. United States District Judge Susan Wigenton dismissed a lawsuit challenging the buffer zones on Aug. 12 and determined that the city's buffer zone ordinance is constitutional. The lawsuit was filed against the city in 2015 by Jeryl Turco, a resident of Neptune who regularly 'approaches patients outside to dissuade them from obtaining an abortion.' Turco alleged that her First Amendment rights to freedom of speech and assembly were being infringed. The case involves an ordinance adopted by the city in 2014 that created buffer zones around certain health care facilities"

IT'S MILLER TIME — "Miller lacked 'licenses, certificates' to remain Mercer County CFO," by The Trentonian's Isaac Avilucea: "Did he fake his resume? David Miller is on unpaid leave while a law firm investigates why he didn't have the "licenses and certifications" required for him to be Mercer County's chief financial office, The Trentonian has learned. Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes has dodged questions about the personnel blunder. County flack Julie Willmot said the Genova Burns law firm is investigating allegations that arose last week that a senior county financial official didn't have the required credentials 'in effect' to maintain the post … Rumors swirled that Miller was walked out the county building this week after being suspended. Employees were reportedly told to keep their mouths shut about the controversy and refer questions to Hughes' PR team."

NOTHING SAID FRED — "Madden stepped down as Gloucester Dem chairman in June," by New Jersey Globe's David Wildstein: "State Sen. Frederick Madden (D-Washington) surreptitiously stepped down from his post as Gloucester County Democratic Chairman in June and has been replaced by Chad Bruner, the county administrator. Madden had not publicly announced his decision not to seek re-election and in some cases, county committee members in Gloucester were unaware that a leadership change was in the works prior to the reorganization meeting. Bruner ran unopposed. Despite the election of a new county chairman nearly two months ago, the Gloucester County Democratic website still lists Madden as their party leader … There is speculation that Madden is preparing to retire from the State Senate next year – he had been ready to leave public office before but was convinced to run again – and his departure as county chairman could be a precursor to that."

BRIDGE OVER THE RIVER, WHY? — "Saddle River council president resigns as cost of covered bridge doubles to $1.45M," by The Record's Marsha A. Stoltz : "The cost and design of a proposed pedestrian bridge to connect two halves of Rindlaub Park separated by the Saddle River have led to the resignation of Borough Council President Rosario Ruffino. Rosario resigned after the July 18 council meeting and talks about the project's burgeoning $1.45 million cost and design. Planning Board Chairman Jeffrey Liva was appointed to the vacated seat on Monday. An ordinance authorizing an additional $750,000 for the project, originally budgeted at $700,000, was also passed on Monday. The council awarded the builder's contract to Empire Construction. 'I am extremely fiscally conservative on most matters,' Ruffino said in his resignation letter. 'I am not sure that the mayor and council appreciate that fiscal responsibility must be paramount in the immediate future.'"

—"It's official: Trenton Councilwoman Caldwell-Wilson won't run for 4th term "

—" 'We don't have anything': Montclair seniors say their needs are not being met by town "

—"Can someone so politically connected as Jersey City's Amy DeGise really be held accountable? "

—"Case of embattled councilwoman shines spotlight on N.J.'s tough recall law"

—" Clifton councilwoman voted off Civil Rights Committee after city worker calls her racist"

—" Four Ocean County law enforcement agencies did not follow bodycam law for more than a year"

—"Bridgewater solves its affordable housing problem. Here's how"

—"'Humiliated': Preakness employee sues Passaic County over termination, breach of privacy"

—" Paterson Board of Education plans to open all-boys high school and avoid past mistakes"

—" The New Jersey Jackals are leaving Yogi Berra Stadium. Could they head to Paterson?"

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EVERYTHING ELSE

SCARLET FEVER KNIGHTS — "Rutgers to continue mask, vaccination requirements, university says," by NJ Advance Media's Chris Sheldon: "Rutgers University will continue to require its students and employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and wear masks in indoor teaching spaces and libraries this upcoming semester. Students and staff will also be required to receive a booster shot when eligible. "As the virus moves from pandemic to endemic, Rutgers continues to maintain its COVID-19 safety protocols on face coverings, vaccines and boosters, testing, and quarantining and isolation," Rutgers Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Antonio M. Calcado said. Anyone who attends indoor events will continue to be required to show proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of the event, Calcado said. Face coverings are no longer required at indoor events and there are no restrictions for outdoor events. However, face coverings will continue to be required in all indoor teaching spaces, libraries and clinical settings, he said."

—"Some Jersey Shore beaches are lost in a haze of legal weed smoking complaints "

—"Jersey Shore will see high tide flooding become routine, NOAA says"

—" Princeton University hit with bias suit over COVID policies"

—"N.J. Turnpike, Garden State Parkway to get 9 rehabilitated service areas in next 2 years "

—"Dana Bash of CNN loves her small-town New Jersey roots"

A message from Anbaric Development Partners:

Governor Murphy has advanced New Jersey's position as a national leader in the fight against climate change—and Anbaric is proud to have worked alongside the state to prioritize offshore wind transmission during its historic solicitation process.

Our climate crisis demands bold solutions enacted by leaders focused on the future. As the long-term lone industry advocate for a planned transmission approach, Anbaric is positioned to bring offshore wind energy to shore while prioritizing ratepayers, the environment, and the future.

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With decades of experience throughout the Northeast, Anbaric is prepared to power New Jersey's clean energy revolution.