News : Peace and love in the Assembly

Friday, December 16, 2022

Peace and love in the Assembly

Dec 16, 2022

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By Matt Friedman

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Good Friday morning!

Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin yesterday kicked off the Assembly session with a call to civility.

"I have been dismayed recently as I have watched respectful and thoughtful debate descend into name-calling, insults and smug responses in this chamber. I am not alone in that feeling. Assembly members from each side of the aisle have confided in me that they feel the same way too," Coughlin said. "Ladies and gentlemen, we are better than that. We must be an example."

Coughlin didn't call anyone out specifically, but it was clear he was at least partly referring to the gun control debate last month between Assemblymembers Joe Danielsen (D-Somerset) and Brian Bergen (R-Morris). Danielsen was dismissive and flippant to Bergen as he asked questions of the bill, leading Bergen to say — slightly under his breath, but clearly audible to anyone listening carefully — "God, he's such an asshole."

Coughlin is a very mild-mannered guy , so it's interesting that Assembly debates have gotten so heated under him. But he made clear he sees it as a national problem that's bled into the Assembly.

I've been reporting on New Jersey politics for 15 years. And while I would never pretend that political opponents used to be nice to each other, I have noticed a disturbing trend in political rhetoric. And it's not about people using swear words. It's the characterization of opponents not as people who have different beliefs than you about the direction they want to take the state or country, but as "enemies."

Sorry if it seems like I'm "bothsidesing" this. This is a worse problem on the far-right because of the apocalyptic conspiracy theories that dominate much of that space. But social media contributes to it all over the political spectrum, since it's easier to lob insults at someone's avatar than to their face, and you get feedback rewarding you for doing it. At least initially.

Bergen's Danielsen insult wasn't unprovoked. The more concerning thing to me was how much cheerleading there was for it on Twitter.

DAYS SINCE MURPHY REFUSED TO SAY WHETHER HIS WIFE'S NON-PROFIT SHOULD DISCLOSE DONORS: 313

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

WHERE'S MURPHY? — Nothing public

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "The bill deletes the ability of campaign treasurers to report by telegram certain contributions and expenditures, and instead requires their reporting by electronic transmission." — The bill summary for the "Elections Transparency Act"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY – Gordon Johnson, Gregory Williams, Rob Hermansen, Brian Bartlett, Matt Klapper, excellent driver Amy DeGise. Saturday for mom-in-law Pat Helck, Ali Hameed, Fred Beaver, Abraham Lopez, Paul Brubaker. Sunday for Ronald Rice, Christopher Gagliardi, Maria Del Cid, Cullen McAuliffe, Dorian Stanley

A message from PhRMA:

Insurance companies use their PBMs to decide how much you'll have to pay for medicines. They keep discounts that should go to you. And only three insurance company PBMs control 80% of prescriptions. You deserve better. Learn more.

WHAT TRENTON MADE

UNEMPLOYMENT FAIL — "She won her $18K unemployment appeal. But she hasn't been paid and the call center doesn't answer, she says," by NJ Advance Media's Karin Price Mueller: "[I]n October, the most recent month of data available, New Jersey's unemployment rate was only 3.5%. Despite the improved numbers, some people say getting through on the phone is as tough as ever. Dana Chibbaro says she hasn't been able to reach a human for nearly a month, despite trying to call every day at different times each day. 'Unemployment currently is at historically low levels so I don't understand,' she said. Her experience with unemployment started in the summer of 2022 when her employer decided not to renew her contract. Per the rules, she would be eligible for unemployment benefits. She filed her claim in June, but received a denial in August. She appealed immediately … [O]n Nov. 14, she won … She waited a week for the money to show up in her account, but none did … So she tried to get someone on the phone. 'Every time you try to call the regional call center, no matter what time of day you call, you get a message that `due to the high call volume, your call cannot be taken at this time' and to call again the following business day,' Chibbaro said, noting she has also complained to her state lawmakers but received no answers."

EVERYTHING IS A CONSPIRACY AGAINST PHIL RIZZO — "Rizzo seeks change of venue, says GOP holds too much 'sway' over judges in Morris County," by New Jersey Globe's David Wildstein : "The small claims court trial of Phil Rizzo, the former congressional and gubernatorial candidate accused of bilking Morris County Republicans out of $1,500, is set to start on Monday but now he's asking for a chance of venue and accusing Superior Court Judge David J. Weaver of being unable to treat him fairly. Ronald Berutti, Rizzo's attorney, alleges that the lawsuit involves 'sensitive political issues' and is 'tied to state senators who hold sway over judicial appointments and the judiciary of Morris County.' 'Rizzo believes he cannot get a fair trial in the county since he is attacking the credibility and the honesty of such organization, which holds saw in the county courthouse,' Berutti stated. But Weaver is a Democrat who was named Sussex County Prosecutor by two Democratic governors, James E. McGreevey and Jon Corzine, and is now a tenured judge one year away from retirement."

FOR $17, THE HOLLAND TUNNEL SHOULD TAKE YOU TO AMSTERDAM (THE OLD ONE) — "Bridge, tunnel toll hikes headline Port Authority's $8.3B budget," by NJ Advance Media's Larry Higgs: "The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is so big that its $8.3 billion budget for next year is larger than the entire operating budgets of eight other states. Ok, they're not gigantic or densely populated states, but its still a significant amount for the agency that controls the metro area's airports, container ports, bi-state bridges and tunnels and rapid transit system (PATH) … The 2023 version includes a $1 increase in bridge and tunnel tolls that takes effect on Jan. 8, which was automatically triggered by an increase in the consumer price index."

PUBLIC NEWSANCE — A new poll from Stockton University shows, amid declining local news coverage, New Jerseyans report feeling "unprepared to make informed voting choices." According to the poll, conducted by the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton, one in three (34 percent) of New Jersey adults surveyed said "none of the news sources they consume provide any information about the local area where they live." Half (51 percent) of New Jersey residents said there is not enough news coverage to help make informed decisions in state and local elections, and one in three residents said the same about national elections. "It's a vicious circle in which readership and viewership decline, resources are cut and there is less local news content available," John Froonjian, director of the Hughes Center said in a statement. "As local coverage becomes scarce, fewer people consume news." — Carly Sitrin

—"NJ Transit committee changes tabled after outcry from seniors and riders with disabilities"

—"Bill concealing politicians' addresses still needs work, Greenwald says"

—"Greenstein backs Benson for county executive"

—"Audit of general election gives vote of confidence to NJ's electoral process"

—"Rate Counsel suggests NJ slow down the pace of offshore wind development"

—"Temp workers rely on public health care more than Amazon, Walmart employees, study says"

—"NWSL joint investigation reveals details on Alyse LaHue's departure from Gotham FC"

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BIDEN TIME

MENENDEZ — "Company in probe of Dem Senator Bob Menendez tied to his crooked donors," by The Daily Beast's William Bredderman: "The shadowy globe-spanning company at the heart of the latest federal investigation into Sen. Bob Menendez has ties to two of the Democrat's financial backers, both power players on the state's cash-washed northern waterfront—and both recently busted by the feds in separate schemes involving bank fraud and organized crime. Multiple outlets have reported that the latest Department of Justice probe into Menendez, who chairs the powerful Committee on Foreign Relations, revolves around a mysterious company called IS EG Halal, based in the senator's home state of New Jersey … These materials link the company not just to the Egyptian government but to a pair of New Jersey businessmen entwined with Menendez and the senator's allies in the state's notoriously powerful local political machines: Fred Daibes and Gazmend 'Gus' Lita, who have made careers catering to the affluent professionals who have flooded a part of the Garden State once known mostly for its rotting piers and Superfund sites. As it happens, both entrepreneurs copped to federal crimes earlier this year."

—"Mitch McConnell is blocking all marijuana legislation in Congress, N.J.'s Booker says"

—"After Trump-Ye dinner, Gottheimer pens resolution condemning celebrities who spread 'antisemitic hateful views"

—"Micco will challenge Pascrell in 2024"

A message from PhRMA:

LOCAL

THIS IS TOTALLY NORMAL AND OK — A N.J. school is getting armored shields to protect students and teachers in a mass shooting. Will others follow?" by The Philadelphia Inquirer's Melanie Burney: "A South Jersey school district plans to equip its schools with a new tool: bullet-resistant portable shields to protect teachers and students in the event of an active shooter in the building. The Gloucester City school system could be the first district to put the lightweight steel safety shields in its schools … Leo Holt, president of Holt Logistics Corp. in Gloucester City, donated 250 shields to the district. He purchased 500 shields from Hardwire LLC, a Pocomoke City, Md.-based company that manufactures hard body armor and other bulletproof products. The 22-pound shields cost about $300 each."

BRICK WEED CITY — "Getting permission to sell weed legally in Newark remains an expensive mystery," by NJ Advance Media's Jelani Gibson: "Even though the application fee cost her $2,500, Newark cannabis business owner Shonda Morton said she spent more than $100,000 to apply for a permit to legally sell weed. In the cannabis industry, Morton, like many, are dropping six digits on an application process that entails hiring lawyers and consultants, as well as contending with inflated real estate prices and more. As with many would-be cannabis store owners, Morton is hitting a wall in her home city. 'We're using our money because we believe in our dream and what we're trying to accomplish, but at the same time, it's bleeding us dry,' she said. The state regulatory entity, the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC), which approves licenses to grow, manufacture and sell weed, gives priority status to minority- and women-owned businesses that apply. However, approving licenses often depends on whether the applicant has its town's blessing."

RACISTFORD — "Proud Boys founder Gavin McInnes sues Rutherford over canceled comedy show," by The Record's Liam Quinn : "Proud Boys founder and comedian Gavin McInnes filed suit against Rutherford on Thursday, weeks after he threatened to do so, after his scheduled November comedy show at the Williams Center was canceled at the last minute. The suit claims that the borough violated McInnes' First Amendment rights. The complaint, shared with NorthJersey.com by McInnes' attorney Jonathan Gross, names the borough, Mayor Frank Nunziato and police chief John Russo as defendants. McInnes, who also co-founded VICE Magazine, is accusing the police department of canceling the show, an action that was later "ratified" by the mayor and council, according to the suit. 'This action is commenced by [McInnes] to redress violations of his civil rights, as protected by the United States Constitution and the New Jersey Civil Rights Protection Act, and to recover damages proximately caused by the violation of his rights,' the suit said."

—"[Trenton] paying more than $500K to settle 2 suits by employees alleging discrimination"

—"New vote counts In Trenton until next week"

—"Teaneck BOE names Texas schools chief, who was finalist in Paterson, to lead district"

—"Mice, mold, faulty heat: Atlantic City public housing development flunks city inspections"

—Snowflack: "Mendham and rend 'em"

—Parker: "Real Trenton mayor needs to take on school violence issue"

A NEW POLITICO PODCAST: POLITICO Tech is an authoritative insider briefing on the politics and policy of technology. From crypto and the metaverse to cybersecurity and AI, we explore the who, what and how of policy shaping future industries. We're kicking off with a series exploring darknet marketplaces, the virtual platforms that enable actors from all corners of the online world to traffic illicit goods. As malware and cybercrime attacks become increasingly frequent, regulators and law enforcement agencies work different angles to shut these platforms down, but new, often more unassailable marketplaces pop up. SUBSCRIBE AND START LISTENING TODAY.

EVERYTHING ELSE

HARVARD ON THE BOULEVARD — "This New Jersey university is laying off 30 professors, eliminating 37% of academic programs," by The Jersey Journal's Joshua Rosario: "Cash-strapped New Jersey City University is taking a sharpened axe to its list of academic programs and roster of professors, The Jersey Journal has learned. In an effort to cut more than $12 million in expenses to balance its 2022-23 operating budget, university officials announced they're eliminating 37% of its 171 academic programs and laying off 30 tenured professors. The division of academic affairs will eliminate 48 undergraduate programs, 24 minors, 28 graduate programs, 10 certificate programs and one doctoral program."

MR. JONES AND KEY — "N.J. man admits he bribed postal workers for special mailbox keys," by NJ Advance Media's Anthony G. Attrino: "An Essex County man pleaded guilty Wednesday to his role in a scheme to bribe postal workers for special keys to open post office box[es], authorities said. Amin C. Jones, 29, of Orange, pleaded guilty in Newark federal court to one count each of bribery of U.S. Postal Service mail carriers and conspiracy to commit bank fraud, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said in a statement. Jones and others approached mail carriers in East Orange and Newark last year, offering them each $5,000 for postal arrow keys – special instruments used to 'used to access a variety of postal service mail receptacles,' according to Sellinger and charging documents. Four mail carriers and an undercover U.S. postal inspector posing as a carrier were stopped in June and July 2021 by Jones and an unindicted co-conspirator, according to the criminal complaint."

BUT BAIL REFORM…. "Suspects in $3M luxury auto theft ring will remain Monmouth County Jail," by The Asbury Park Press' Jena Caldero: "Five men accused of being part of an auto theft ring targeting Western Monmouth County will remain in jail pending their trials, a judge ruled during their individual detention hearings. State Police said they busted a $3 million operation in late November and captured six suspects. The seven-month investigation uncovered the ring's connection to the theft of over 30 luxury vehicles, police said."

IF AXEL WAS A SPRINGER SPANIEL HE'D OWN POLITICO — "The top therapy dog in the U.S. is a rottweiler from South Jersey. Good boy, Axel," by The Philadelphia Inquirers' Rita Giordano: "It had been days since the young boy from Uvalde, Tex. had spoken to anyone. A witness to the carnage at Robb Elementary School where an armed man gunned down many of his friends and teachers, the boy had been driven deep within himself by the horror. Then he met Axel, a big, black bear of a therapy dog who'd come all the way from Camden County, N.J., to help. At a church gathering, the dog's handler and owner, John Hunt, asked the boy to introduce Axel to the other children. Before long the silent boy and the other kids were talking — at first about their canine visitor, but then about what they'd been through. The whole time, the boy was petting Axel … Axel has been there for many, many people. And now he's getting his due. The 4 ½-year-old rottweiler from Blackwood has been selected as one of the winners of the American Kennel Club Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence."

—"Rutgers student injured while pledging a fraternity files hazing lawsuit"

—"No fuel, no mast, no water: Cape May sailors rescued after 10 days lost at sea describe ordeal"

—"Hoboken man charged in $114 million pump-and-dump stock scam"

—"Has inflation bitten your holiday spending? How NJ shoppers are scaling back"

—"Worker impalement at N.J. construction site under OSHA investigation"

—"N.J. woman among 4 charged with providing financial support to ISIS"

A message from PhRMA:

PBMs decide what medicines are covered, what medicines aren't and what you pay. That leaves you fighting for the medicines your doctor prescribed, instead of fighting your illness. Meanwhile, insurance companies and PBMs collect medicine rebates and discounts from drug manufacturers and don't pass them along to you. Those savings belong to New Jersey patients, not insurers' PBMs. PBMs are putting their profits before your medicine. Learn more.