| | | | |  | | By Matt Friedman | Presented by Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind | Good Friday morning! The Murphy administration is going to be busy this summer. Yesterday, Attorney General Matt Platkin sued three school districts that implemented policies to inform parents if their kids exhibit changes in their gender identity: Marlboro, Manalapan-Englishtown and Middletown. That cuts against state guidelines. Read about that here. All three of the districts' policies make exceptions if there’s reason to believe the disclosure would put the students in harm’s way. I think it’s a legitimate debate whether schools should tell parents about students who identify as a different gender than they were born when they’re not rushing to tell parents that little Johnny wears pants and likes baseball. But I also remember being a kid well enough to know that I hid some feelings from my parents that I wish I hadn’t, and that in many ways I was still trying to figure out who I was. This is a complicated issue, and people who express some reservations about it shouldn’t be shouted down as bigots. But let’s keep the debate firmly grounded in reality. Two of these school districts are represented by Assemblymember Gerry Scharfenberger, who in a recent post on the conservative blog Save Jersey titled “When Did the World Become So Stupid?” wrote that parents have given him “firsthand accounts” of students who identify as cats “wanting school officials to “meow" at them, or students being led around on a leash during school hours.” Really? That sounds a lot like the countless claims by people on the right that students are identifying as cats and that schools are setting up litter boxes for them. And yet somehow nobody ever provides evidence for these claims. Because they've virtually always been false. So I asked Scharfenberger to put me in touch with these parents. They didn’t want to speak, even anonymously. I asked what school district this allegedly happened in. He didn’t tell me. I asked Janet Bamford of the New Jersey School Boards Association whether any districts have reported such things. “NJSBA is not aware of any New Jersey school districts with students who have identified as cats,” she said. While I suppose it’s possible that this is true — I also don't think it's out of the realm of possibility that a kid might be inspired by the fake stories to actually try to identify as feline — most likely it’s just one more urban legend. And these stories effectively demean people who have long suffered ostracism and violence and are just now beginning to find societal acceptance. TIPS? FEEDBACK? Email me at mfriedman@politico.com QUOTE OF THE DAY: “[A] survey a moving van company does for the publicity, and all of our angry clicks, should not be anything anyone should use to determine legislation or tax rates in New Jersey.” — Jen A. Miller in an Op-Ed HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Annoyingly precocious reporter Daniel Han, Pedro Mejia, Michael Clarke, Burt Ray Simpson, Larry Yudelson, Asia Norton. Saturday for Kristin Corrado, Sterley Stanley, Herb Klein, Bruce Land, Ed Traz. Sunday for Henry Klingeman, Leonard Lance. WHERE’S MURPHY? — No public schedule. | | A message from Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind: Offshore wind will play a major role in New Jersey’s clean energy future — while creating jobs and boosting the economy. At Atlantic Shores, we’re dedicated to making that future a reality by developing a portfolio of wind projects off the coasts of NJ and NY. Atlantic Shores Project 1 will create thousands of family-sustaining jobs and bring $848M in guaranteed local economic benefits and have an overall economic impact of $1.9B for NJ. Learn more. | | | |  | WHAT TRENTON MADE | |
EXIT SANDMEN — “The disappearing beach. More than $2.6 billion has been spent dumping sand onto the Jersey Shore. Was it worth it?” by NJ Advance Media’s Steven Rodas: “Replenishment … is ‘sacrificial by design’ according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The sand is meant to be washed away. It’s done to protect towns from seasonal flooding, safeguard waterfront homes, and keep Jersey Shore tourism dollars churning each summer — or all three depending on who you ask. And it’s worth every penny, various officials told NJ Advance Media. But the never-ending task — what one local group calls ‘a bad habit’ — of pouring millions of cubic yards of sand onto most of the nearly 130 miles of Jersey Shore beaches is only expected to become more needed with beach erosion likely to worsen in the future due to sea level rise and climate change. Besides being more expensive due to the rising cost of materials and labor, the list of offshore sites that are primarily dredged for sand will shrink unless more are found — an uncertain and time-consuming endeavor that requires more taxpayer money amid lengthy feasibility studies. Critics, who see the cycle of sand replenishment as an hourglass bound to run out, wonder if it’s finally time for New Jersey to take a big-picture look at other options.” NJ POLITICIANS SILENT ON $15 TOLLS BY AGENCY THEY HAVE HISTORICALLY USED AS A PATRONAGE PIT — “Bridge and tunnel drivers might be exempt from NYC congestion pricing, MTA head says,” by NJ Advance Media’s Larry Higgs: “Drivers who pay tolls to enter the area of Manhattan below 60th Street might be exempt from paying any congestion pricing fee under an idea mentioned by the leader of New York City’s transportation agency. MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber suggested drivers who pay tolls to enter Manhattan through Hudson and East River tunnels may not have to pay an additional congestion pricing fee under an idea he said is ‘on the table’ during a CBS-NY TV interview … ‘It is actually an idea that we have specifically studied,’ he said on CBS. ‘We’re being responsible about it, and we’re taking fairness to New Jersey into consideration.’ Up to this point, the best deal Jersey drivers could hope for was getting credit for their tolls toward the congestion fee.” O’TOOLE OF THE ESTABLISHMENT — “Port Authority chair O'Toole says he'll stay on as holdover after term expires,” by The Record’s Colleen Wilson: “Kevin O'Toole indicated he plans to stay on as a commissioner and chair of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey even as his term is set to expire at the end of the month. He told reporters Thursday that he didn't anticipate going beyond the six-year term but has enjoyed his time chairing the agency, which oversees five airports, tunnels, bridges, bus terminals, the ports and the PATH train system. ‘It’s my intention to be here for a few more years in a holdover,’ he said, referring to when commissioners stay on if no one is appointed and confirmed to replace them when their term expires.” —“PATH promises major announcement about tap-and-go fare system” —Feds announce construction money for summer work on Gateway tunnel —Steven Fulop gains more labor endorsements in 2025 run — “Does Central Jersey exist? Region one step closer to being legitimate after bill passage” —“Lawmakers spar over equity on down payment assistance program” —“Should you get a property tax break if your house burns down? Inside one man’s fight” —“Revealing police brutality, discrimination, secret raises: NJ OPRA made these stories possible” | | | | 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 | |
—“Is Christie’s attack strategy sustainable?”
—“Wall Street Journal reporter from N.J. ordered held in jail by Russian court” | | | | A message from Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind:   | | | | | LOCAL | |
LETTING IT RIDE ON BLACK — “How is Atlantic City using $8.6M in new public safety room surcharge?” by The Press of Atlantic City’s Michelle Brunetti Post: “The city has collected more than $8.6 million in the first year of a new room tax designated to fund public safety initiatives, but has not yet said how it is being used. That has frustrated Greater Atlantic City Chamber President Michael Chait. ‘Given the pressing need for clean and safe initiatives in Atlantic City, we are particularly interested in learning how the allocated funds will address these critical concerns,’ Chait wrote in a June 9 letter to city Business Administrator Anthony Swan. ‘We would like to know the comprehensive plan in place to utilize these resources effectively.’ Chait said Thursday he has gotten no response from Swan, or from any state or other city officials. City spokesperson Andrew Kramer said Thursday the city cannot share usage plans without state approval.”
MAN CHARGED WITH ELECTION FRAUD COULD BE NEXT COUNCIL PRESIDENT — “From Paterson City Hall chaos: Who will emerge as next council president?” by The Paterson Press’ Joe Malinconico: “In private meetings and behind-the-scenes lobbying, Alex Mendez, Lilisa Mimms and Luis Velez are vying for the potentially powerful position of City Council president. The presidency vote scheduled for July 1 looms as a pivotal decision after a turbulent year for City Hall — including one nine-hour meeting that dragged on past 4 a.m. and several instances in which officials almost came to blows during council sessions. Whoever wins the council’s leadership position will gain power over which resolutions and ordinances get voted upon by the city’s governing body, a prerogative that the current president, Shahin Khalique, used during the past year to scuttle several legislative attacks on Mayor Andre Sayegh’s administration.” LABARBARIANS AT THE GATE —“Labarbera Defeats Smith in race for Sussex GOP chair,” by New Jersey Globe’s David Wildstein: “Joseph Labarbera, the president of the Skylands Tea Party, was elected Sussex County Republican Chair tonight, defeating Candice Smith by seven votes, 66 to 59. He succeeds Jerry Scanlan, who is retiring after eight undefeated years as county chairman. Labarbera comes from the faction of the Sussex Republicans that were on the losing side of a fiercely competitive Republican primary for State Assembly in the 24th district. His supporters include Kelly Ann Hart, the GOP vice chair, County Commissioners Bill Hayden and Herb Yardley, and toxic political consultant Bill Winkler. His election opens the door for Winker’s return … A Hopatcong school board member, Smith had the backing of State Sen. Steve Oroho, Assemblymen Parker Space and Hal Wirths, County Commissioners Dawn Fantasia and Jill Space, and Republican county commissioner candidate Jack DeGroot. Labarbera, a retired U.S. Army major, had endorsed Steve Lonegan during his short-lived GOP Senate primary against Space” CLOWN CARR — “N.J. man charged in antisemitic crime spree said he was ‘saving the neighborhood,’ cops allege,” by NJ Advance Media’s Jeff Goldman: “A 33-year-old man charged in an antisemitic crime spree in Manchester earlier this month told police he set a house on fire because he was ‘saving the neighborhood’ from Jewish people moving into the area, according to charging documents. Ron Carr was arrested ‘by force’ after setting fire to a home on First Avenue around 3 a.m. on June 6 and made multiple antisemitic statements to investigators while being interviewed, according to an affidavit outlining 36 charges against him. Carr, of Manchester, committed 14 acts of criminal mischief, authorities said. He spray-painted swastikas on homes in the Pine Lake Park section of the Ocean County town in addition to scrawling his daughters’ names on some residences and red hearts on others — tagging 12 homes in all, the complaint says … Carr spray-painted the hearts because ‘felt bad for the people who were not part of the Jewish community,’ according to the affidavit.” BREAKING: JAMES O’KEEFE IS STILL ANNOYING — “Westwood schools chief bans media at graduation, warns against hidden cameras in school,” by The Record’s Stephanie Noda: “The Westwood schools superintendent sent a sharply worded letter to the community warning against the use of hidden cameras in the district, after a chaotic school board meeting that included a provocative offer from conservative media figure James O'Keefe. In her letter, Superintendent Jill Mortimer also said she would ban any media presence at the Westwood Regional High School graduation Thursday night and that she had arranged for police to be present at board meetings for the next two months … At one point during last week's public comment section, the board heard from James O'Keefe, founder of the conservative media outlet Project Veritas … To cheers from supporters in the audience, O'Keefe told the board, ‘I will be giving out hidden cameras to a variety of parents and sometimes students. And they will be exposing corruption, lies, abuse that exist in the public schools throughout Bergen County.’” THE ROMEOS VS. THE JULIETS — “To pick new mayor, Verona council divided along gender lines,” by New Jersey Globe’s David Wildstein: “When the Verona Township Council meets on July 1 to select a new mayor, it looks like it’s the boys lining up against the girls. By all appearances, the non-partisan council is preparing to skip over Christine McGrath and seat Christopher Tamburro as the next mayor. It looks like Alex Roman and Jack McEvoy are with Tamburro, while Cynthia Holland would back McGrath in a contest that appears to fall along gender lines.” —“Mayor: Camden is on the mend, but we have miles to go, promises to keep” —“Middletown superintendent resigns, board chooses interim replacement” —“Strut up! Wandering peacock making its way through Passaic County with sightings in multiple towns” | | | | SUBSCRIBE TO POWER SWITCH: The energy landscape is profoundly transforming. Power Switch is a daily newsletter that unlocks the most important stories driving the energy sector and the political forces shaping critical decisions about your energy future, from production to storage, distribution to consumption. Don’t miss out on Power Switch, your guide to the politics of energy transformation in America and around the world. 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THIS STORY ENDS AT CHAPTER 11 — “American Dream mega-mall involved in yet another lawsuit,” by The Record’s Daniel Munoz: “JPMorgan Chase & Co is being sued by the construction manager for the American Dream Mall for over $30 million of unpaid work and interest, according to a federal lawsuit filed in New York … In the suit, Denver-based PCL Construction said that because JPMorgan arranged the loan and serves as the administrative agent of the developer, they’re on the hook for the money. Ameream, an entity created by American Dream Mall owner Canadian Triple Five Group to develop the Meadowlands megamall, ‘is now in financial distress,’ according to the suit.”
ZIPF’S DRIVE — “How dead whales became the symbol of a political battle in NJ and elsewhere,” by The Asbury Park Press’ Amanda Oglesby and Dan Radel: “Cindy Zipf wears a whale pendant around her neck each day to work at her office at Clean Ocean Action in Long Branch, touching the necklace and worrying that at any moment, another whale will wash onto a beach somewhere in New Jersey. It was Zipf who first sounded the alarm on Jan. 9, two days after a second humpback whale washed ashore dead in Atlantic City, making it at the time the sixth dead whale in New York and New Jersey since Dec … The press event thrusted whales into the crossfires of a contentious, often partisan political debate over the wind farms that re-ignites every time a marine mammal strands … Experts say the construction of, and activation of New Jersey's planned wind farms could disrupt life on the ocean floor. But it simply hasn't happened yet. And, to this point, state and federal scientists say there remains no evidence connecting any recent whale death to what little activity has occurred. It may not matter. Media of every ilk connecting recent whales to wind farms is pervasive.” —“Excessive ocean noise can hurt whales. Here's how” — “National Marbles Tournament shifts indoors for finals” —State regulators begin planning for offshore wind transmission line into New York City —“At 3 million pounds, the first foundation for New Jersey wind is complete but its maker sees trouble ahead” —“We tracked 820 suits alleging sex abuse against Catholic Church in NJ” —“A surge in child strep throat cases is baffling N.J. doctors” | | A message from Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind: Offshore wind will play a major role in New Jersey’s clean energy future — while creating jobs and generating economic opportunities. Now is the time to accelerate the transition.
At Atlantic Shores, we’re making that future a reality by developing a portfolio of offshore wind projects to serve New Jersey. Not only will we help meet the state’s ambitious target of 100% clean energy by 2035, Atlantic Shores is also driving New Jersey’s clean energy economy through job creation and workforce development.
Atlantic Shores Project 1 will create thousands of family-sustaining jobs for unionized professionals. Plus, it will bring $848M in guaranteed local economic benefits and have an overall economic impact of $1.9B for the state — and we’re just getting started.
We’re proud of our work to create jobs and boost economic development in New Jersey, all while building a future that’s better for our health and the environment. Learn more. | | | | | | | Follow us on Twitter | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Ottawa Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | | |
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