News : POLITICO New Jersey Playbook: The Watcher: Worth watching?

Monday, October 17, 2022

POLITICO New Jersey Playbook: The Watcher: Worth watching?

Oct 17, 2022

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By Matt Friedman

Presented by Anbaric Development Partners

Good Monday morning!

Have you watched The Watcher? If so, I'm wondering how you did it.

I was looking forward to this show , which is based loosely on the true saga of a family that got creepy and vaguely-threatening notes from someone the media dubbed " The Westfield Watcher ".

It's got great source material. It has a cool trailer . And it has a top-tier cast: Jennifer Coolidge, Naomi Watts, Bobby Cannavale, Mia Farrow. I wanted to like it, in part because it's a New Jersey story. And it looks like Netflix is going to open up a huge facility at Fort Monmouth, so it gets some more Jersey points.

To be fair, it's tough for me to judge a show I only watched for 20 minutes. But that's because I couldn't make it further. And while I'm not very good at criticism, I'll offer this summary: It was bad. The actual critics tend to agree .

The state that gave the world Jason Voorhees deserves better horror. But New Jersey is still a pop culture behemoth, for better, like The Sopranos, and for worse, like all the Jersey-based reality TV shows I can think of.

DAYS SINCE MURPHY REFUSED TO SAY WHETHER HIS WIFE'S NON-PROFIT SHOULD DISCLOSE DONORS: 253

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

WHERE'S MURPHY? — In Eatenton for a 10:30 a.m. announcement

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "I find it odd about how many people who clutch the Bible in one hand and the Constitution in the other only ever end up proving that they've never actually read either one." — Gov. Phil Murphy during a weekend campaign swing to Florida

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Democratic consultant Sean Darcy, Tammy Murphy COS Stephanie Lagos, Camden County's Digna Townsend, GOP Essex County Exec candidate Adam Kraemer, Justice Party's Tim O'Neill. Missed yesterday: Stu Loeser & Co.'s Stu Loeser.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY: To my wife Emily, who is nice and pretty but doesn't appreciate my Playbook jokes as much as you do, dear reader.

A message from Anbaric Development Partners:

New Jersey is at the precipice of a nation-leading award in the BPU's historic offshore wind transmission solicitation—and Anbaric's project is ready to go on day one. We started laying the groundwork required for our Boardwalk Power Link Project nearly a decade ago. Our shovel-ready project is the result of years of community outreach, engineering, and investment. With our portfolio of Boardwalk projects, Anbaric is ready to deliver a clean energy future.

WHAT TRENTON MADE

BENEFITS — " N.J. public worker premium hikes, Murphy deal with unions will cost taxpayers. Leaders are baffled ," by NJ Advance Media's Derek Hall: Recently approved rate hikes on health care premiums for public workers in New Jersey are hitting towns and counties at a difficult time, and Gov. Phil Murphy's handling of the process has left labor representatives and local government leaders angry and perplexed … In the end, New Jersey taxpayers will shoulder the lion's share of the rise in costs, but exactly how much remains a mystery. The Murphy administration hasn't provided an exact amount and did not answer questions from legislative officials during budget negotiations .. The administration didn't release any details on the substantial rise in health care costs until a copy of the rate increases was leaked in July, blindsiding labor representatives, state lawmakers and local government leaders. The Murphy administration says it handled the rate setting process this year in the same way it's been handled in previous years, which includes not sharing information with local governments or the Legislature until the new rates are already finalized."

MURPHY TO FLORIDA DEMS: IF MY HAIR CAN MIRACULOUSLY REGENERATE, SO CAN YOU — " Murphy in Florida: GOP to blame for 'activist judges' who 'force their unpopular agenda' on women ," by NJ Advance Media's Matt Arco: "Gov. Phil Murphy ripped into top Florida Republicans in a speech there Saturday night, saying the GOP is to blame for 'activist judges' who dismantled many women's right to seek an abortion in the nation. The Democratic governor was in West Palm Beach to support gubernatorial hopeful Charlie Crist and other party members, including U.S. Senate hopeful Val Demings … Murphy called both Republicans out by name and bashed them over the U.S. Supreme Court's recent ruling that reversed Roe v Wade, a nearly 50-year-old legal precedent. '... There is no better example of trusting each other than trusting women, to make the right choices about their own reproductive health. That's why Charlie, Val, and I have a simple message for Governor DeSantis and Senator Rubio: trust women,' Murphy said according to prepared remarks obtained by NJ Advance Media."

—" Judge grants 90-day stay of decision striking down changes to casino PILOT law "

—" NJ lawmakers advance education bills that focus on trade jobs to create work pipeline "

—" Lawmakers advance bill to require syringe sales at pharmacies "

NEW AND IMPROVED POLITICO APP: Stay up to speed with the newly updated POLITICO mobile app, featuring timely political news, insights and analysis from the best journalists in the business. With a fresh look and improved features, the sleek and navigable design offers a convenient way to access POLITICO's scoops and groundbreaking reporting. Don't miss out on the app you can rely on for the news you need, reimagined. Already a POLITICO app user? Upgrade today! DOWNLOAD FOR iOS – DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID .

BIDEN TIME

NANCY PELOSI DRINKING GAME PART II — " Malinowski on the attack at 7th district debate; Kean focuses on inflation, Pelosi ," by New Jersey Globe's Joey Fox: "The two competitors for New Jersey's 7th congressional district, Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-Ringoes) and former State Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean Jr. (R-Westfield), got equal speaking time at tonight's New Jersey Globe-hosted debate. But much of the debate was defined by Malinowski, who lobbed repeated attacks at his opponent and fiercely defended his own legislative record; Kean maintained a more muted presence, largely focusing on a few core themes like inflation and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi … Despite the tough road ahead – or perhaps because of it – Malinowski firmly stood with the legislation passed by Democrats in Congress, saying at tonight's debate that bills like the Inflation Reduction Act and the CHIPS Act will help ease the burden of inflation … Malinowski challenged Kean to say what his solution would be, saying that his opponent has only 'run on the problem, not the solution.' Kean responded simply that he'd lower spending and that Malinowski's votes have exacerbated inflation."

ALEXANDER THE NOT GREAT CHANCE — " Tim Alexander thinks he can knock off Rep. Jeff Van Drew in November. Does anyone else? " by The Philadelphia Inquirer's Amy S. Rosenberg: "He's a progressive Democrat brimming with ideas about local transit and increasing the region's share of federal funding, and is clear about standing up for abortion rights. A political newcomer quick with an easygoing, jokey manner, he's a steady and forthright campaigner who lingers after the event ends to browse the art with the gallery's owner. His campaign's tagline, apt in the sprawling 2nd Congressional District in deep South Jersey where there's little evidence of a midterm election around the bend, is 'Wake up everybody' 'You know what the reality is?' Alexander, 56, continues in the twilight. 'You bet we can get rid of Van Drew.' … But can they? Elected as a Democrat in 2018 in the fickle district, U.S. Rep. Jefferson Van Drew, a retired dentist and longtime state senator from Cape May County, famously switched parties in 2019 and pledged his 'undying loyalty' to then-President Donald Trump … Despite a record that in theory could present a big target for Democrats, and a district electorate basically split three ways among Democrat, Republican, and unaffiliated, the seat is considered 'solidly' in Van Drew's camp."

WILL SHE BE OUT OF PRISON IN TIME TO BE SPADEA'S 2025 LG RUNNING MATE? —" N.J. activist who joined in the Jan. 6 attempted insurrection pleads guilty to federal charges ," by NJ Advance Media's Ted Sherman : "A New Jersey woman who reportedly urged on rioters during the Jan. 6, 2021 assault on the U.S. Capitol pleaded guilty Friday to her role in the attempted insurrection which injured over 100 and killed five. Stephanie Hazelton, 50, also known as Ayla Wolf, a right-wing activist from Medford who had been at the center of a series of New Jersey protests during the height of the COVID pandemic, faces up to five years in prison and $250,000 in fines when she is due to be sentenced on Feb. 1, 2023. Appearing in federal court in the District of Columbia, she pleaded guilty to charges of interfering with law enforcement officers during a civil disorder and of aiding and abetting."

MCCARTHYISM — " Kean says he'll support McCarthy for leader ," by New Jersey Globe's Joey Fox: "Asked today whether he plans on supporting House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-California) if elected to Congress, former State Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean Jr. (R-Westfield) had a simple answer: "Yes." The answer, in response to a question from News12's Alex Zdan at a rally in Belvidere, wasn't surprising; the House Republican apparatus has long supported Kean's congressional bid, and McCarthy himself was present at Kean's campaign launch last summer … Kean also said today that if elected, he'd seek to join the Problem Solvers Caucus, a collection of House members perfectly balanced between the two parties."

—Moran: " Tom Kean Jr.'s embrace of Trump, and Liz Cheney's warning "

—" Friendly Fire: Menendez plays hardball, and Alex Jones gets beaned "

A message from Anbaric Development Partners:

LOCAL

LEGIONELLA OF DOOM — " Bacteria that causes Legionnaires' disease found in Central Jersey water ," by NJ Advance Media's Jeremy Schneider: "Legionella, the bacteria that causes Legionnaire's disease, has been found in water supplies from homes throughout Central Jersey, the New Jersey Department of Health announced Saturday. The bacteria was found in more than half of the 30 homes sampled in September, including homes in Trenton, Ewing, and parts of Lawrence and Hopewell Township. All the homes were served by Trenton Water Works."

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL — " N.J. high school reverses decision to cancel production of musical 'The Prom' after backlash ," by NJ Advance Media's Jackie Roman: "The show will in fact go on at Cedar Grove High School after school officials backtracked on a plan to cancel a student production of the "The Prom," a musical about a lesbian student who wants to bring her girlfriend to her school prom. The Essex County school district faced a backlash from students, parents, alumni and the LGBTQ community after word spread on social media that officials tentatively canceled the production this week due to community concerns about 'inappropriate' content in the award-winning Broadway musical. However, the district's superintendent said Friday the school will stage a 'High School Edition' of the play that has been modified by its creators for family audiences … The musical is based on the true story of Constance McMillen, a senior in Fulton, Mississippi, who was banned from bringing her girlfriend to senior prom in 2011."

—" Heated issues bring more attention — and candidates — to school board elections "

NETFLIX TO PRODUCE AND SHOOT 'THE ROCKETEER' SEQUEL IN NJ: 'THE RACKETEER' — " Edison police officers charged with racketeering in sweeping indictment ," by MyCentralJersey's Mike Deak: "A grand jury has returned a 24-count indictment charging four suspended Edison police officers with racketeering, bribery, theft, money laundering and witness tampering, among other charges, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone announced on Friday. … A lengthy internal affairs investigation found that from 2016 to 2018, the officers allegedly were involved in a scheme designed to exploit the Edison Police Department's extra-duty job assignments, by getting paid for extra-duty jobs for which they did not appear, according to the prosecutor."

OSCAR THE GROUCH TO LIVE SUSTAINABLY — " Paterson will spend $4,400 — each — for solar-powered trash cans ," by The Paterson Press' Joe Malinconico: "City officials are spending $700,000 in state money to buy solar-powered trash receptacles that cost $4,400 apiece for high-capacity models and $2,500 for smaller ones. Why do garbage cans need to come with solar power? That's because these receptacles come with garbage compactors and censors that send alerts when they are almost full and ready to be emptied … The city is paying for the devices with part of Paterson's $10 million allocation of Urban Enterprise Zone funds from the state … 'I would rather see us buy more regular trash cans,' said Councilman Md Forid Uddin, who voted against the purchase. Councilwoma Lilisa Mimms, who also opposed the initiative, said she didn't think it was "feasible" for the city to spend $700,000 on the receptacles."

FUND FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING OVERLAY LITIGATION EXPENDITURES TO ALSO BE KNOWN BY ITS ABBREVIATION — " Jersey City OKs affordable housing initiative, despite calls for more research into benefits, drawbacks ," by The Jersey Journal's Joshua Rosario: "The Jersey City City Council approved an ordinance Thursday night intended to create more affordable housing, despite calls from some council members and neighborhood associations to hold off until the long-term effects and consequences could be determined. The affordable housing overlay (AHO) — which incentivizes developers to build more units in the same footprint as long as they dedicate 10-15% units as affordable housing — was passed in a 7-2 vote. Journal Square Councilman Richard Boggiano and Bergen-Lafayette Councilman Frank Gilmore voted against the AHO after attempting to table the ordinance, which failed in a 3-6 vote. 'I also think it's a shame that this council is not listening to the people of Jersey City and the 15 block associations throughout this city,' a frustrated Boggiano said Thursday. 'I hope these people do not forget this' Boggiano could not be reached for comment on Friday. At Tuesday's caucus, Gilmore and Boggiano asked for the vote to be tabled, saying they and a group of community organizations felt it was being rushed to a vote. Questions have arisen as to whether the AHO would help or hinder affordable housing efforts."

FIRST TIME I'VE SEEN SOMEONE SUGGEST MERCER COUNTY IS NOT PRIME CENTRAL JERSEY — " It's about time Central Jersey is formally recognized ," by MyCentralJersey's Mike Deak: "Two questions have long puzzled New Jersey minds. Is it pork roll or Taylor ham? And is there a Central Jersey? While there may not be a definitive answer to the first question, legislation introduced last week would formally designate Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex and Somerset counties as Central Jersey in the state's tourism materials. Here in Central Jersey, we have always known the answers to those questions. It's about time our homeland was formally recognized … Including Mercer in the designation is an act of political generosity. Parts of northern Mercer County within sight of the Sourland Mountains, like Princeton, Pennington and Hopewell, have been considered honorary members of the Central Jersey community because their cultural compasses have always pointed north. South of Princeton, Mercer points to the Trenton area, which, to be kind, is its own wonderland … MyCentralJersey.com has been ahead in the name game, covering Hunterdon, Middlesex and Somerset counties and southwestern Union County. Unlike many in New Jersey content inside their bubbles, we recognize reality."

WILL THIS SINK VALDES? — Last week, The Paterson Press' Joe Malinonico reported that the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office, led by Camelia Valdes, "dropped 10 separate investigations targeting five Paterson cops who later admitted in federal court that they robbed and assaulted people in Paterson." Now, apparently, the AG's Office wants to know why. "This matter is under review by our office. There will be no further comment at this time," spokesperson Sharon Lauchaire said in a statement.

—" Camden County schools to install 250 emergency naloxone kits to prevent overdose deaths "

—" South Jersey schools disrupted by threats police are investigating as 'swatting' incidents "

—" [Asbury Park] church saved from demolition as city weighs future of Gothic 'work of art' "

—" Coastal storm caused severe erosion in Ortley Beach, Bay Head, LBI, NJ says "

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 .

EVERYTHING ELSE

PHANTOM TOLLBOOTHS — " The GW Bridge is cashless, but those empty toll booths won't be going away for a while ," by NJ Advance Media's Rob Jennings: "No one is collecting tolls on the George Washington Bridge, but those empty booths on the Fort Lee side will be sticking around for a while. Removal work on the toll booths remains in the design phase and a date has not been set for their full demolition and removal, a spokesperson for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said on Thursday."

IN MURPHY'S DEFENSE, 'MOBBED' DOESN'T NECESSARILY MEAN CROWDED IN N.J. — " Is American Dream waking up? We found signs of life at the Meadowlands mega-mall ," by The Record's Daniel J. Munoz: "In August, Gov. Phil Murphy insisted he still had faith in the enterprise, which was built by private developers with lucrative government subsidies on prime real estate at the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Go back after Labor Day, Murphy predicted, and American Dream would be 'mobbed.' So I took the governor up on his suggestion last week … It wasn't quite "mobbed," but it was no ghost town either. Sizable crowds roamed the mall's corridors on their way to toy stores, candy shops, luxury fashion boutiques and, yes, the Spirit Halloween. A newly opened Food Hall was full. And the attractions that developers said would differentiate American Dream from your average mall - the Big Snow indoor ski resort, an enclosed skating rink, the Nickelodeon Universe Amusement Park, a 300-foot Ferris wheel and DreamWorks Water Park - all had healthy crowds."

R.I.P. — " PATCO train strikes, kills 2 construction workers on Ben Franklin Bridge Friday night "

—" N.J. customers dining out less as inflation rocks local restaurants "

—" Here's why Ocean City's Cris Pannullo won't be on 'Jeopardy!' ... for now "

—" Ramapo College's first woman president calls for 'ethical leaders' at inauguration "

A message from Anbaric Development Partners:

Anbaric's Boardwalk Power Portfolio is strategically designed to deliver what's needed, when it's needed. As the state continues to expand its offshore wind target, implementing a planned transmission system to scale the delivery of energy from offshore wind to shore becomes increasingly critical to the success of the state's goals.

Our projects have been thoughtfully developed to move forward on day one in collaboration with the communities in which we will operate. Anbaric's Boardwalk Power Link leverages an ideal onshore location, significant permitting advantages, and unique partnerships to deliver energy from offshore wind turbines to shore and into the heart of New Jersey, via a route buried in the public right of way. Our planned transmission vision is ready to be made reality—to support industry growth and protect New Jersey's ratepayers and environment.

Read more about how Anbaric's experience as a planned transmission advocate sets our project apart.