| | | | |  | | By Matt Friedman | Good Tuesday morning! Newark is sitting on a lot of internet infrastructure. But apparently its mayor and Council members can’t be bothered to use Google. Yesterday, I included an article from TAPIntoNewark about how the city in January was duped into signing a “sister city” cultural-trade deal, whatever that is, with the “United States of Kailasa.” If you haven’t heard of the United State of Kailasa, you’re not alone. It’s apparently a fake nation dreamed up by an Indian guru and cult leader named Nithyananda— a fugitive who’s wanted in over allegations of kidnapping and sexual assault. I included TAPIntoNewark’s article about this in Monday’s newsletter, but allow me to riff on it a little more. First, as amusing as this is, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka is often mentioned as a potential candidate for governor in 2025. If he actually wants to run, this embarrassment won’t help him. (If it’s any consolation, a Nithyananda representative got some speaking time at a recent U.N. meeting in Geneva). But another thing worth noting is that the New Jersey media missed this, too. TAPIntoNewark noticed it after numerous English language Indian outlets reported it. But if a major New Jersey newspaper had a reporter dedicated to covering government in this state’s largest city — especially one who knows how to use Google — perhaps news outlets from halfway across the world wouldn’t have had the story first. TIPS? FEEDBACK? HATE MAIL? Email me at mfriedman@politico.com. QUOTE OF THE DAY: “The United States of America signs bilateral agreement with the United States of KAILASA.” — How the “United States of Kailasa” characterized the Newark sister-city agreement HAPPY BIRTHDAY —Steven Gardner, Wendy Sturgeon, Justin Rivera, Daniel Weinberg WHERE’S MURPHY? No public schedule. Media: Julie Mason Mornings on SiriusXM at 8:45 a.m. |  | WHAT TRENTON MADE | |
HOW DOES IT FEEL? — “Mercer Democrats dumped Wayne DeAngelo. Now what?” by New Jersey Globe’s Joey Fox: “When elected officials and county committee members walked into the ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Princeton yesterday for the 2023 Mercer County Democratic convention, the room was abuzz with chatter about the race for county executive between incumbent Brian Hughes and Assemblyman Dan Benson (D-Hamilton). But when they left two-and-a-half hours later, an entirely different subject was on their minds: What the hell just happened to 14th district Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo (D-Hamilton)? In a huge surprise, Mercer Democrats narrowly voted to dump the eight-term incumbent from their official line, instead backing two other candidates, Rick Carabelli and Tennille McCoy, for the 14th district’s two Assembly seats. Thanks to a Mercer Democratic rule allowing candidates to remain in the party column if they pass a certain threshold of support, however, all three will still appear in the same column on the primary ballot itself. On Wednesday, Middlesex Democrats — who cover around 40% of the district — will meet for their own convention. Their decision will provide some clarity in the race, and perhaps end the three-candidate dalliance entirely. But for now, the situation is chaotic and unprecedented, with no one sure how things will shake out.”
STATE POLICE — “‘We know nothing.’ N.J. family longs for answers in 2021 police crash that killed loved one,” by NJ Advance Media’s Kevin Shea and Riley Yates: “On Nov. 11, 2021 … a New Jersey State Police trooper fatally struck 50-year-old Donelle Miles on Route 1 in South Brunswick. Miles was on foot when the marked police car hit him just before 6 a.m. The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office later closed the investigation, saying it was an accident. More than a year later, what happened to Miles — a Gulf War veteran who was active in his church — remains a mystery to his family. The family said they never received a police report or any formal findings of what happened, and no one from the State Police contacted them, even to offer condolences. ‘Nobody came forward, nothing,’ said Miles’ twin sister, Donna Miles. ‘I will never look at the State Police the same.’”
| | | | 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. | | | | | COLD-BLOODED CAPITALISM — “Did Phil Murphy embrace Trumpist tactics in push to muzzle ELEC?” by The Record’s Charles Stile: “The failed attempt last week to gut New Jersey's agency that regulates the ebb and flow of campaign cash did not stand out as a rare instance in national politics. Over the last few years, reform laws and watchdog agencies created 50 years ago in the wake of the Watergate scandal have come under assault from political operatives who have long chafed under their tight fundraising limits and disclosure requirements. … Some watchdogs note that political leaders in both parties often chafe at fundraising and ethics rules, regardless of the political climate. Viki Harrison, program director at Common Cause … says the antagonism toward reform and regulation accelerated under Trump, who consistently discredited the nation’s institutions — even to the point of undermining faith in the electoral process. ‘Since the last president, we have seen so many basic democratic norms thrown out the window," she said. ‘We had an administration that just arbitrarily made up rules all the time and fought against everything.’ Still, several campaign experts expressed shock that deep-blue New Jersey, led by a progressive like Murphy, would seek to dismantle long-held guardrails of the political process.” FROM BPU TO BIG FU — “Murphy names two new BPU picks to replace Gordon and Solomon,” by New Jersey Globe’s David Wildstein: “Gov. Phil Murphy will not reappoint Bob Gordon and Dianne Solomon to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, instead nominating a member of his senior staff and a lawyer from Basking Ridge to replace them, the New Jersey Globe has confirmed. Christine Guhl Sadovy, the governor’s Cabinet secretary, will replace Gordon. She served as chief of staff at the BPU and as legislative and political director at Planned Parenthood before joining the governor’s office. She previously worked at the Sierra Club as their representative on the Beyond Coal Campaign. To replace Solomon, the wife of New Jersey Supreme Court Justice Lee Solomon, Murphy has picked Marian Abdou.” NJ TRANSIT — “NJ Transit lacks a key asset other agencies have. Without it, there could be service cuts,” by The Record’s Colleen Wilson: “The state's lawmakers have neglected to find a dedicated revenue source to address NJ Transit’s annual — and growing — budget crisis for several decades. Instead, governors and the Legislature have haphazardly stitched together an annual band-aid using a hodgepodge of funding sources to help the agency balance its budget. This annual dependence on the whims of legislators is not typical for most transit agencies. Most states dedicate by law specific taxes and tolls to public transportation, a framework that keeps fares affordable and provides a stable revenue source so the agency can make long-term plans, such as adding new train lines or stations, purchasing trains and buses, and avoiding vacancies so operations run smoothly. ‘Let’s admit it. Everybody … wants a dedicated funding source’ for NJ Transit, said Sen. Patrick Diegnan, D-Middlesex, chair of the Transportation Committee. ‘But what‘s it going to be?’” —“N.J. may be willing to help pay down your medical bills, according to Murphy’s budget plan” —“This is how New Jersey will target 'overdose hotspots' in at-risk areas” —“With some COVID-19 policies set to expire, how will low-income NJ patients afford care?” —Reproductive rights website advances —Gill picks running mates for off-the-line candidacy against Team Codey —“Michael Griffin formally launches bid for state Senate seat in 31st Legislative District” —“N.J. invites more offshore wind proposals, says whale deaths not linked to prep work” | | LOCAL | |
NJ 101.5 HOSTING TRY-OUT BACKFIRES — “Man yelled ‘white lives matter,’ threw smoke bombs at N.J. church’s anti-racism concert,” by The Asbury Park Press’ Ken Serrano: “A Toms River man has been accused of throwing smoke bombs at people leaving an anti-racism concert in January, then trying to pepper spray participants while yelling ‘White lives matter,’ authorities said. Nicholas G. Mucci, 28, was arrested Saturday night by state Department of Homeland Security and Preparedness investigators and is charged with causing or risking widespread injury or damage, possession of a weapon (explosives) for unlawful purposes, arson, aggravated assault, making terroristic threats and possession of a destructive device … At 9 p.m. Mucci, wearing a black face mask, blocked concertgoers from leaving the church, yelling, ‘White lives matter too,’ [Attorney General Matt] Platkin said.”
THE SCHOOL DISTRICT THAT PAYS ITS ATTORNEY $1 MILLION A YEAR — Court deals blow to Murphy administration in Lakewood, by POLITICO’s Dustin Racioppi: In a blow to the Murphy administration that could cost it millions of dollars, a high court on Monday sided with attorneys in Lakewood who argued the state hasn’t lived up to its constitutional duties. The Appellate Division ruling is a win for Lakewood, which has seen its population explode in recent years but mostly with students who attend private schools, which are not covered by state funds. The ruling could have broader implications for districts with private schools. The decision is also a rebuke to acting education commissioner Angelica Allen-McMillan, who successfully argued to a lower court that the state was fulfilling its responsibilities. The appellate court overturned that ruling. “It’s everything we asked for,” said Aaron Lang, the Lakewood school teacher who brought the suit against the state. “It means that we won, the commissioner’s got to do something, and if they don’t do something we’re going to go right back to the court.”
| | | | DOWNLOAD THE POLITICO MOBILE 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. 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. DOWNLOAD FOR iOS– DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID. | | | | | EAST RUTHERFRUSTRATED — “American Dream is behind in over $7.5M payment to N.J. borough, lawsuit says,” by NJ Advance Media’s Allison Pries: “East Rutherford filed a lawsuit on March 3 against American Dream and the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, claiming it is owed millions of dollars from Payments in Lieu of Taxes agreements. American Dream, which has several PILOTs with the borough, had been paying its main PILOT for the entertainment, recreation and retail component up until last month, when the developer of the mega-mall in the Meadowlands failed to make a $125,000 installment payment that was due Feb. 1, according to the lawsuit. But it has never paid anything on other PILOTs that give it the rights to develop hotels, office space and a baseball stadium within the Meadowlands Sports Complex. It is in arrears on those for $7.5 million, according to the lawsuit.” HOMEOWNERSONLYBOKEN — “Shuttering of Hoboken Panera’s dining room sparks uncomfortable questions about the homeless,” by The Jersey Journal’s Teri West: “If you want to sit down and eat at a booth in Hoboken’s Panera Bread, you’re going to have to climb over a makeshift wall that the store has erected to prevent you from doing so. Panera doesn’t want anyone eating inside, let alone sitting, and the new walls complement the signs on the door announcing the policy change. It was just the latest development that sparked conversations about homelessness in Hoboken, the consequence of a fight between homeless people, a manager told NBC. Needles have also been discovered in the bathroom, a manager told Patch.” MOUNTAIN OR MOLEHILL — “Oh, Yeah – that little lawsuit in Mountain Lakes…,” by InsiderNJ’s Fred Snowflack: “It’s been about nine months since a federal lawsuit charged the school board here with discriminating against white students … The plaintiff is identified as B.L on behalf of J.L, his child and at the time, a student at Mountain Lakes High School. This is done to protect the identity of the student, a minor. … The defendants want the plaintiffs to formally identify themselves. This prompted review by a federal magistrate who agreed . In dismissing the plaintiffs’ wish for anonymity, the magistrate ordered them to file an amended complaint by Feb. 24 fully identifying themselves. Instead, the plaintiffs appealed. And in a highly rhetorical filing, attorney Ronald Berutti suggested that the defendants were showing their ‘true colors’ by not caring about the safety, security and privacy of students and former students who challenge school curricula.” —“Group hopes to buy the late Msgr. Michael Doyle’s Camden home as a center for scholars and seekers” —“Here's why a Montclair nonprofit is donating LGBTQ-inclusive books to local preschools” —“Palisades Park council members appeal judge's ruling on council seat” —“Brick teens sentenced to juvie for starting fire that shut down Garden State Parkway” —“West New York, North Bergen election races set: One’s a rematch, the other pits familiar faces” —Former Hoboken Assemblyman Garcia gets another continuance in Newark bribery case | | EVERYTHING ELSE | |
UNADORABLE DOGS TO GET NO HUGS FROM CHILDREN — “Want better school mental health? Ocean County students find it hugging adorable dogs,” by The Asbury Park Press’ Michael L. Diamond: “It was only a little after 10 a.m., but Elizabeth Ritorto could feel the daily stress of being a teenager getting to her. Ritorto had few places to turn for help, so she walked into the guidance counseling center at Barnegat High School, saw Clementine, a 7-month-old Labrador retriever, and hugged her tight. Whatever was bothering the senior had at least briefly melted away. ‘I feel like I’m getting the attention I really needed,’ Ritorto, 18, said. … The Barnegat Township school district is turning to therapy dogs to help its students navigate a seemingly endless number of mental health challenges, lending a nonjudgmental (and furry) ear that can otherwise be hard to find. The program, now in its 10th year, is getting renewed attention as counselors and educators try to address a brewing mental health crisis in the aftermath of the COVID-19 lockdowns.
—“Nonprofit ends puppy training program at infamous N.J. women’s prison” DINERS, DRIVE-INS AND I-HAD-TOO-MANY-EDIBLES-I’M-GOING-TO-DIES — “Long-vacant diner on Route 73 could see new life as a cannabis dispensary,” by The Courier-Post’s Jim Walsh: “The former Sage Diner could soon be offering a different kind of herb. A Cherry Hill firm wants to convert the long-empty restaurant into a cannabis dispensary, according to an application before Mount Laurel’s planning board. The proposal by NJ Green Care LLC is the second cannabis application to involve a defunct diner in this area. Another firm, Enlighten Health & Wellness LLC, already has approval from Evesham's planning board to operate a dispensary at the former Marlton Diner on Route 70.” —“She was a federal officer wrongfully in prison on a gun charge. Now she is going back to work behind bars” —“Whale that washed up on Jersey Shore beach had fractured skull, propellor wounds” —“Eric LeGrand creates new bourbon brand to help support those who are paralyzed” —“Arnold Schwarzenegger urges tolerance in Stockton visit”
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