| | | | |  | | By Matt Friedman | Presented by Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind | It might be hard to recall now, but early in the pandemic testing kits were in short supply. So a new claim by Chris Neuwirth, the fired assistant health commissioner who more than three years ago filed a whistleblower lawsuit against the state, probably would have caused at least some outrage back then. In a legal filing Wednesday, Neuwirth claimed he regularly conducted tests for high-ranking, asymptomatic Murphy administration officials at a “secret” testing center: A loading dock behind the Public Health and Environmental Laboratories. Neuwirth claimed that these officials had not been in contact with people who tested positive. And the state’s policy at the time was not to recommend tests for asymptomatic people. That, according to Neuwirth, is how then-Chief Counsel and now-Attorney General Matt Platkin got his positive result despite being asymptomatic. It was pretty big news back in April 2020, before just about everyone had gotten the virus. “As the media began increasingly questioning Platkin’s absence from the daily press conferences, high-ranking officials became concerned about how to message to the public that Platkin had tested positive for COVID from a test that he took when he was asymptomatic,” Neuwirth’s filing states. “... After the press continued to ask questions, Governor Murphy finally stated that Platkin 'came in contact with several people who it turned out had tested positive' and that he deserved a 'pass' because he was important. Plaintiff understood Governor Murphy’s statement to be an intentional misrepresentation to the public and a further sign that the Governor’s Office’s secret COVID-19 testing scheme was continuing to spiral out of control.” A person familiar with the situation who requested anonymity because they wouldn’t comment on litigation told me that Platkin had, in fact, been in contact with someone who had tested positive. The person told me that the governor’s office did not test high-ranking officials who had not been in contact with the infected at that point in the pandemic. I can understand the justification for testing the state’s high-ranking officials, even if they’re asymptomatic, at the height of the crisis. You wouldn’t want the state’s entire leadership to be knocked out. But ultimately this could come down to whether Neuwirth can back up his claim that Platkin had not been in contact with infected people. And at the rate this lawsuit is going, I’m not sure when, if ever, that happens. TIPS? FEEDBACK? Email me at mfriedman@politico.com QUOTE OF THE DAY: “The Durrminator” — Apparently a nickname for state Sen. Ed Durr HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Susan Shin Angulo, Michael Chait. Saturday for Adam Steinberger, Alexis Degan, Marelyn Rivera, Rep. Mike Ferguson, Peter Cammarano. Sunday for Michael Muller. WHERE’S MURPHY? — In Fort Lee at 11 a.m. to sign this bill. Media: Good Day NY at 8:30 a.m. | | A message from Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind: At Atlantic Shores, we’re more than a renewable energy company. We’re a team of purpose-driven professionals who are committed to providing a cleaner and healthier future for generations to come. Our organization is guided by four core values that our team lives and breathes each day: to be safe, a good neighbor, a good steward of the environment and to lead with science. Learn more. | | | |  | WHAT TRENTON MADE | |
ATTENTION TO DEFICIT DISORDER — Tale of two transit systems: New York, on track, watches as New Jersey heads toward a cliff, by POLITICO’s Ry Rivard: In a stark display of political will on one side of the Hudson River and can-kicking on the other, New York solved budget problems facing its mass transit system on Wednesday while New Jersey ignored ones that threaten its own bus and train commuters. Transit systems in both states were facing a crisis. In Gov. Kathy Hochul’s New York, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority has a balanced budget through 2027 following the Wednesday approval of modest fare increases. Paired with tax and casino revenue from a budget deal this spring, the move ends a pandemic-era saga at the nation’s largest transit agency. In Gov. Phil Murphy’s state, NJ Transit has less than year to plug a $917 million budget hole that could force fare increases, service cuts or layoffs. Even as New York officials took a victory lap for their work and planned for congestion pricing tolls that will send even more money to MTA's coffers, they flicked at New Jersey …
MTA chair and CEO Janno Lieber said NJ Transit is among the many mass transit agencies only just beginning to talk about their budget problems. “They are looking at a 30 percent budget deficit,” Lieber told his board Wednesday. “If that was applied to the MTA, that would have been $6 billion a year.” Hours later, by happenstance, NJ Transit’s board members met in Newark. They voted to approve their budget unanimously and held fares flat. Not a single board member spoke about the looming deficit. THE ONLY SOLUTION IS TO PAVE THE PINELANDS “Firefighters worry as New Jersey wildfire threat grows. Are we doing enough to stay safe?” by The Asbury Park Press’ Amanda Oglseby: “Since the beginning of the year, 930 wildfires scorched 16,461.75 acres across New Jersey, up nearly 30% compared to the previous year, according to statistics collected between Jan. 1 and July 17 by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. That is more than double the acreage typically burned across the state in a typical year, according to the state agency. About half of New Jersey's residents live within the 'wildland-urban interface,' an area where homes and forest are in close proximity and the threat of wildfire is a risk, according to the DEP … New Jersey Forest Fire officials say the length of the state's wildfire season has expanded in recent years, and now stretches earlier into winter and later into the summer months.” —“Advocates of long-serving offenders say $12M NJ spends on reentry help overlooks basics” —“Why was Bergen man released from prison decades after murder? Examining the parole process” —“Groups ask Governor Murphy to veto expansion of involuntary commitment” —“New state rules promote harm reduction centers to help those battling drug addiction” —Kelly: “The fear never goes away': Why does NJ tolerate constant worry about oil trains?” —“Moderate Party asks Supreme Court to hear fusion voting case” | | | | JOIN 7/26 FOR A TALK ON THE NEW ENERGY ECONOMY: Join POLITICO's lively discussion, "Powering a Clean Energy Economy," on July 26 to explore the effectiveness of consumer-targeted policies to boost sustainability and create clean energy jobs. How are the Inflation Reduction Act's provisions faring? Which strategies truly sway consumer behavior? Hear from featured speaker, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), among other experts. Don't miss this insightful event — register today and be part of the conversation driving America's clean energy future! REGISTER NOW. | | | | | | | BIDEN TIME | |
WHAT ABOUT BOB? — “Daibes sentencing pushed back again, causing experts to ponder link to Menendez probe,” by The Record’s Kristie Cattafi: “Edgewater developer Fred Daibes — who has been linked to an ongoing federal probe of Sen. Bob Menendez — has had his sentencing postponed for the fourth time since he pleaded guilty to banking crimes in April 2022. The continuing delays have legal experts wondering why the sentencing has been pushed back yet again, and whether it could be related to the Menendez investigation. Daibes, whose projects helped transform Edgewater into Bergen County’s piece of the Hudson River Gold Coast, was indicted on multiple counts in 2018 for alleged conspiracy to circumvent lending limits set by Mariner's Bank, which he founded in 2001 … Thea Johnson, a law professor at Rutgers Law School, said there are many reasons why sentencings are postponed, but it is unusual for one to be delayed four times over the course of 18 months, as Daibes' has … Daibes' latest sentencing date had been July 27, but it was rescheduled recently and moved to Oct. 26. Since pleading guilty, Daibes has been granted permission to travel to Qatar and England for business deals and to Italy and the Bahamas for vacations, court records show."
THE GOOD KUSH — Locking up anti-Trump donors, Chris Christie has a Kushner on his side, by POLITICO’s Dustin Racioppi: The former New Jersey governor is well behind in fundraising for the 2024 presidential primary, having drawn nearly $1.7 million through June 30. Only former Vice President Mike Pence and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson have raised less … But Christie's latest filing with the Federal Election Commission shows some notable names, a small sign that he's attracting a segment of voters against Trump in the six weeks since he entered the race. The one that stands out the most is Murray Kushner, an uncle to Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. Murray and his wife, Lee, who live in New Jersey, each donated $3,300, according to the Federal Elections Commission … Here are some other notable donors … Jack Ciattarelli, one of the most outspoken Republican critics of Christie while in office, gave $1,000. Ciattarelli unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2017 and 2021. AND APPALLED — “'Everyone will be completely shocked': Christie expects a big win in New Hampshire primary,” by The Asbury Park Press’ Savannah Kuchar: “Chris Christie doesn’t expect to lead any polls going into New Hampshire. But the former New Jersey governor said he’s confident he’ll still leave the first presidential primary victorious. 'And everyone will be completely shocked,' Christie said. A date for the New Hampshire primary has not been set, though it is expected to be January of next year. In a visit to USA TODAY’s offices Thursday, Christie reiterated his belief that he will win favor among Granite State voters and that any polls until then won't tell the whole story.” —The 'very liberal' doctor, the pro-GOP car dealer and the movement against offshore wind —Hennely: “No Labels to our rescue but on whose dime?” | | | | A message from Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind:   | | | | | LOCAL | |
LARSEN ON LARSON — “Former Ocean County College president to remain on as $150K, part-time consultant,” by The Asbury Park Press’ Erik Larsen: “On the same day Ocean County College was warned that its accreditation was in jeopardy over leadership and governance issues, its Board of Trustees signed a contract with outgoing President Jon H. Larson to keep him on as a part-time consultant at an annual salary of $150,000 for at least the next year. Although the new president, Pamela Monaco, was 'generally aware' that the board was negotiating a contract with her predecessor, she did not know the exact terms of the agreement until she took office two days later on July 1, said Board Chairman Jerry J. Dasti … Larson is required to 'average' a 20-hour work week. He will retain his health and dental benefits, carry over his sick and vacation time (40 hours of sick leave and 80 hours of vacation time for the 2024 fiscal year), and keep his college-issued mobile phone, laptop computers and a printer. He will not have an office on campus nor an assistant, unless Monaco determines such assistance is needed, according to the terms.”
RUTT’S HUT SWITCHES TO HEBREW NATIONAL — “Clifton rejects antisemitism definition after hundreds pack council meeting,” by The Record’s Hannan Adely: “Hundreds of people packed a Clifton City Council meeting Tuesday night, in a crowd so large it spilled into hallways and out the front door, to oppose a resolution that has sparked an impassioned debate over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They stood against a measure to adopt a definition of antisemitism that critics say conflates criticism of Israel with bias against Jews and has been used a tool for censorship. The council, which also got calls and letters about the issue, removed it from the agenda. The definition, developed by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, has been adopted in about 30 states and a dozen New Jersey municipalities, often in the wake of anti-Jewish incidents and at the urging of local activists. In Clifton, home to thousands of Palestinian Americans, the community and its allies sent a message: not in this city.” LABOR — “Gilmore pledges support for project labor agreements in Ocean County,” by New Jersey Globe’s David Wildstein: “The state’s building trades unions have picked up a powerful new ally: George Gilmore, the Ocean County Republican chairman. Gilmore this week pledged to urge Republican-controlled county and municipal governments in Ocean County to require project labor agreements on local construction projects. 'I’m giving you my word. I’ll do everything I can to help you and provide these project labor agreements,' Gilmore said in a speech at the New Jersey Building and Construction Trades Council convention in Atlantic City … Gilmore’s new position on union workers represents a bit of a political conversion after dealing with low-bidder contracts as a municipal attorney for more than 25 years.” —“New contract for Franklin Borough police chief needs rare tiebreaking vote by mayor” —“As plaza redesign nears finish, Polish group wants wall in front of Katyn Memorial removed” —“Flying has been a mess this summer. [Biden] demands answers from feds” | | | | JOIN 7/27 FOR A TALK ON WOMEN LEADERS IN THE NEW WORKPLACE: In the wake of the pandemic, U.S. lawmakers saw a unique opportunity to address the current childcare system, which has become increasingly unaffordable for millions of Americans, but the initial proposals went nowhere. With the launch of the Congressional Bipartisan Affordable Childcare Caucus in May, there may be a path to make childcare more affordable. Join Women Rule on July 27 to dive into this timely topic and more with featured speakers Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Reshma Saujani, Founder & CEO of Moms First and Founder of Girls Who Code. REGISTER HERE. | | | | | | | EVERYTHING ELSE | |
SUBSIDIZED INDUSTRY — “Death at the racetrack,” by NJ Advance Media’s Kevin Armstrong: “Last year, 22 thoroughbred racehorses died at Monmouth Park, a 153-year-old institution that has a Caesars Sportsbook in its grandstand’s bowels and hosts races three days per week for five months each year while receiving a $10 million state subsidy for its purses. It was the track’s third straight year of increased deaths, and the track had an average of 2.05 horse deaths per 1,000 starts in 2022, above the national average of 1.25, which had dropped for a fourth consecutive year, according to The Jockey Club. An additional four standardbred horses died at Meadowlands Racetrack, and one standardbred fatality was reported at Freehold Raceway. New Jersey will be at the nexus of a national reckoning as Monmouth Park hosts the 56th running of the $1 million Haskell Stakes, a prestigious race for 3-year-olds between the Triple Crown and Breeders Cup, on Saturday.”
WEED — “State’s largest grower and seller of weed announces layoffs in South Jersey, again,” by NJ Advance Media’s Jelani Gibson: “The state’s largest cannabis operator, Curaleaf, announced it is eliminating positions at its cultivation production facility in Winslow — the second time this year the company eliminated jobs in Camden County, the company confirmed Tuesday night. In March, Curaleaf, one of the biggest growers and sellers of legal weed in the nation, laid off 40 employees from its Bellmawr grow facility, before shutting it down … The multi-state operator listed several reasons why it was downsizing in New Jersey, saying it had voiced those concerns to the state’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission. 'Throughout the past year we have voiced our concerns to the CRC about the difficult market conditions created in part by licensing approval delays, alongside lacking enforcement of the illicit market, and we have now proactively engaged them and organized labor in a dialogue about the changes we are making today,' another part of the statement read.” —“Newark student reading scores are low. Will the city’s new literacy action plan help?” — “Officials: New Brunswick woman charged in death of 6-year-old on school bus in Franklin Township” —“Why were hundreds of NJ trains canceled or delayed the week of July 3? Amtrak explains” —“NJ Transit racing to build Transitway in time for World Cup 2026” —“Former owner of legendary Ironbound restaurants admits paying employees under the table” | | A message from Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind: At Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind, we’re more than a renewable energy company. We’re a team of purpose-driven professionals committed to providing a cleaner and healthier future for generations to come.
We’re guided by four core values that our team lives and breathes each day:
· Be safe — If we can’t do our jobs safely, we can’t do them well. We prioritize the safety of our teams on the job, as well as the safety of our communities.
· Be a good neighbor — We interact and engage with the communities we serve to understand their point of view and bring their perspectives to the work we do.
· Be a good steward of the environment — We make sure our energy solutions are in harmony with the environment and nature around us.
· Lead with science — Data speaks the truth. Using science to inform our decisions makes us more environmentally and socially responsible.
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