| | | | |  | | By Matt Friedman | Presented by McDonald's | Good Monday morning! Andy Kim’s big win over Tammy Murphy in the Monmouth County Democratic convention was shocking. It was not surprising. When I say shocking, I mean in terms of what it means for the Democratic establishment. This can’t be dismissed as just the “online left” or less-engaged easily slinging arrows at Tammy Murphy behind a keyboard. These are mostly county committee people — the little-known insiders, the most committed Democrats, the volunteer canvassers. It wasn’t surprising because, well, have you been paying attention to this race? It’s been obvious that the top Democratic leaders who have coalesced around Murphy are not on the same page as the party’s base. The former could potentially have a lot to lose by defying New Jersey’s preeminent political family. The latter nothing. To make matters worse for Murphy, this is her home county. And Kim just didn’t win it — he won by a lot. Interestingly, it seems to me counties like Monmouth where Democrats are a perennial minority tend have more progressive county committees. (See Sussex County, for instance.) I’d be interested to hearing your theories on why that is, but I can see how it could have something to do with a lot fewer public jobs to go around, and so a lot more low-level party operatives people willing to vote their conscience without it being tied to their or a family member’s income. There’s a long way to go in this primary, as demonstrated by the awarding of the Passaic County line to Murphy — a decision made mostly by municipal chairs. But Democratic voters registered their displeasure with Bob Menendez in the 2018 primary by going 38 percent for Lisa McCormick, aka Anyone But Bob, even though Menendez had the party line in all but the two counties that don't have one. I sense the same kind of protest now, and Andy Kim’s ultra-early entrance gave the Democratic base someone to rally around before party bosses could smother it. Daniel Han was in Long Branch for the vote Saturday. TIPS? FEEDBACK? Email me at mfriedman@politico.com QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Our town gives opportunity to all local not-for-profit community groups. … We want them to use our municipal facilities. I have no intention of ever treating anybody with discrimination, and I know that they (the Satanic Temple) are trying to get us to do that, but we won't. We believe everyone has an equal footing and we are very committed to everyone's First Amendment rights. We're going to be fair." — Plumsted Mayor Dominick Cuozzo, a Christian pastor, on the New Jersey Satanic Temple using town hall for an “unbaptism ceremony.” HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Cosmo Cirillo, Jim Logue WHERE’S MURPHY? — Nothing
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THE LEAD STORY — State investigating whether shoddy lead pipe work happened beyond just Newark, by POLITICO’s Ry Rivard: New Jersey officials are investigating whether the people who improperly left lead plumbing in Newark have done similarly incomplete work in other towns, the state’s top environmental regulator said Friday. Earlier this week, Newark — a city which has been held up by the Biden administration as a national model for quickly replacing lead service lines — said it is no longer certain that all the lead is really gone. While officials have yet to say who they are investigating, the same contractors, crews or people may have worked elsewhere in the state. That could imperil the work other water utilities are doing to comply with a state law requiring the removal of all lead pipes by 2031. “It is a concern as we pursue our compliance enforcement investigation and we’ll ensure as we move through this investigation we identify any third parties that are responsible,” said the head of the state’s Department of Environmental Protection, Shawn LaTourette.
SWIFT SERVICE — For the World Cup, New Jersey officials look to Taylor Swift success and fear WrestleMania meltdown, by POLITICO’s Ry Rivard: The recent decision by international soccer officials to hold not just some games but also the World Cup final at MetLife marks a major victory for Murphy, a nationally ambitious Democrat who co-owns a professional female soccer team. But it raises the stakes for one of the two-term governor’s top priorities since taking office: Fixing New Jersey Transit. Getting people back and forth to MetLife — the New Jersey stadium that’s home to both the New York Jets and the New York Giants — has caused major disasters for NJ Transit in the past. The nation’s third-largest transit system also struggles with ongoing financial uncertainty. … Transit was one of the issues that bidders had to sort through when they applied to host games, said Zoe Baldwin, the New Jersey director of the Regional Plan Association, a venerable nonprofit that’s helped shape infrastructure across the New York City region. “I do have confidence the state is taking this seriously,” Baldwin said. “But I am concerned that the focus on transit will now be for people to go to a special event instead of focusing on the long-term health of the system for the people who ride it every day.” —“‘New York New Jersey’ got the World Cup final. Now comes the hard part”
| | | | A message from McDonald's: From 2021 to 2022, the McDonald’s System contributed over $830 million to New Jersey’s economy, supporting over 17,000 jobs statewide. McDonald’s presence in local communities throughout New Jersey generated nearly $150 million in federal, state and local tax revenue, providing funding for public schools, infrastructure, parks and more. Learn more about McDonald’s impact on local communities in New Jersey and nationally by visiting https://www.mcdeconomicimpact.com/state-impacts/nj. | | | RETURN OF THE MCCORMAC — Former treasurer: Surplus requirement could hinder Stay NJ, by POLITICO’s Daniel Han: State law says that funding for the Stay NJ program … cannot interfere with a handful of fiscal priorities, among them a 12 percent budgetary surplus. But John E. McCormac, a former state treasurer and the current Woodbridge mayor, asked during Thursday’s Stay NJ task force meeting whether the state could meet that requirement in future years. “I personally think the 12 percent criterion for this kicking in is kinda high,” McCormac, who is Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin’s pick to serve on the task force, said. “The prognosis for the future is not all that great for revenues. ... I think we need to think about whether the 12 percent [surplus] threshold is too high and whether Stay NJ would ever come into play if you kept it that high” … Christopher Wheeler, the chief data officer at the Department of Community Affairs and a task force member, appeared open to requesting the Legislature change the surplus requirement. SEGREGATION LAWSUIT PARTIES DON’T SOUND LIKE MUCH FUN — “NJ school segregation lawsuit parties want more time to negotiate before trial. Here's why,” by The Record’s Mary Ann Koruth: “Plaintiffs in a lawsuit that alleges the state Department of Education is responsible for continuing de-facto — or incidental — segregation in New Jersey's public schools are making progress in closed meetings with the state to settle their differences. The negotiations followed a nuanced October ruling that said New Jersey's schools are indeed segregated but that this did not amount to a ‘statewide’ constitutional violation. … They've made some headway, but it's too early to predict a successful outcome. Both parties have asked presiding Judge Robert Lougy in Mercer County Superior Court to give them until April to continue discussions, in the hope of resolving differences and avoiding a long and expensive litigation, according to a report filed with the courts by the plaintiffs' attorney, Lawrence Lustberg.”
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SUMTER SURRENDERS — “Sumter won’t challenge Pascrell in Democratic primary,” by New Jersey Globe’s David Wildstein: “Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter has decided not to challenge Rep. Bill Pascrell in the 8th district Democratic primary, clearing the field for the 87-year-old congressman to seek a 15th term. Sumter attended the Passaic County Democratic screening committee this morning but told party leaders on Friday that she plans to drop any plans to take on Pascrell after that vote. ‘I interviewed with Passaic County and made them aware that I am ready to serve at the federal level,’ Sumter told the New Jersey Globe. ‘I shook the congressman’s hand as he exited his interview.’ … Sumter, a seven-term lawmaker from Paterson who is 37 years younger than the incumbent, has found that Democrats are still ready to stick with Pascrell despite his age. Following the retirement of Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-California), Pascrell will become the oldest member of the U.S. House of Representatives next year if he wins re-election. Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh also mulled a primary fight with Pascrell, putting a poll in the field last month. He decided against running. But when Pascrell does retire, Sumter and Sayegh have planted flags indicating their readiness to run for Congress.”
ZDEMOCRACY — Former NJ journalist runs for Republican Senate nomination, by POLITICO’s Matt Friedman: Alex Zdan, a longtime former New Jersey journalist, is running as a Republican for U.S. Senate. Zdan, 38, kicked off his campaign with a video of him visiting the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona. “Anyone and everyone can and does get through here,” he says at a porous section of the border. “This has got to stop.” Zdan, a Robbinsville resident who grew up in Hillsborough … has been a registered Republican only since ending his journalism career — he had been an independent — but said: “I’ve been a conservative all my life.” … Zdan also plans to make his campaign a platform against corruption, calling Menendez — who’s accused of bribery and acting as an unregistered foreign agent for Egypt and Qatar — “cartoonishly corrupt.” He also criticized the Murphys for nepotism, saying one married couple should not control two of New Jersey’s three elected statewide offices.
| | | | A message from McDonald's:   | | | —“Tammy Murphy scores the Passaic County Democratic line” —Conaway wins Monmouth County Democratic convention —“Two US teens seek Jewish-Muslim dialogue in strained New Jersey community” —Stile: “What's next for Tammy Murphy's Senate campaign after losing on her home turf?” | | LOCAL | |
THE CHINESE COMMUNIST PETTY — "Chinese government tried to stop New Jersey township from raising Tibetan flag, mayor says," by CBS New York's Christine Sloan: "The mayor of Belleville, New Jersey says a representative of the Chinese government tried to stop him from showing solidarity to the Tibetan people and honoring a member of his community ... Yangchen Nodong, 74, said her escape from Tibet to Nepal, then to India in 1960 brings back painful memories ... Nodong was elated when Mayor Michael Melham agreed to raise the Tibetan flag after her son made the request ... But the mayor, who put information on his social media, said China's vice consul in New York reached out right before the ceremony to try and stop him from raising the flag. 'They were urging us to cancel and reconsider and my township attorney, my township manager, police chief all said to me what are you going to do? And I said the flag is going to fly at noon,' said Melham."
SERGI’DOH! — “Dover councilman charged with assault after confronting homeless men on video,” by The Daily Record’s William Westhoven: “Since taking office in January, Dover Councilman Sergio Rodriguez has followed a public and sometimes controversial path by confronting men on the streets of the town who he says are drinking in public, littering or committing other offenses − and then posting video of the showdowns online. But his latest confrontation may have backfired. The Ward 2 Democrat was arrested Friday and charged with simple assault and harassment charges after a tense exchange Wednesday night with three homeless men near the Meridian Transit Plaza apartments. Rodriguez posted video of his alleged encounter with the three men online, as well as other posts criticizing the police department … Delaney wrote that Rodriguez ‘became engaged in a verbal confrontation with the males and later ‘assaulted one of the males by kicking the male's hand causing injury.’ ‘Rodriguez continued to pursue the males while video recording after they attempted to leave the area and forced the males to cross the roadway,’ Delaney continued. ‘Rodriguez attempted to block the males' avenue of escape, which caused a dangerous situation in the roadway.’ … ‘Thank you for coming out and showing that this is a clearly politically motivated charge,’ Rodriguez wrote, addressing the chief. ‘They were publicly drinking and it was captured on video for all to witness, but I shouldn’t expect you to state that as it doesn’t fit your narrative.’”
| | | | A message from McDonald's: McDonald’s is an economic engine for the state of New Jersey, contributing over $830 million to our state’s economy, directly employing nearly 13,800 New Jerseyans and supporting an additional 3,200 jobs statewide. It’s also an engine of opportunity: 1 in 8 independent McDonald’s operators in New Jersey began their careers as restaurant crew members, generating wealth for their families and local communities. We are proud to support New Jersey through public schools, parks and more from the nearly $150 million in federal, state and local tax revenue generated by the McDonald’s System’s activities. And thanks to the generosity of McDonald’s customers and owner/operators, the $660,000 raised through Ronald McDonald House Charities in 2022 provided over 6,600 overnight stays for families with children receiving medical care in New Jersey. Learn more about McDonald’s impact on local communities in New Jersey and nationally by visiting https://www.mcdeconomicimpact.com/state-impacts/nj. | | | NIMBY YIMW: NOT IN MY BACKYARD YES IN MY WOODS — “Ocean County commissioners reiterate position: We’re not building a homeless shelter,” by The Asbury Park Press’ Erik Larsen: “Several advocates spoke at a public meeting of the commissioners on Wednesday in support of the county government opening a full-time shelter … Phil Studnicky, a volunteer with Just Believe, said the organization was feeding 311 homeless people. ‘I‘People are accumulating in these Ocean County woods like you wouldn’t believe. … So, I have 311 names from Little Egg Harbor to Point Pleasant.’ … ‘yes, i don’t disagree,’ [Commision Director Barbara Jo Crea] Crea replied … Last year, Crea convinced her Republican colleagues to support creation of a homelessness trust fund. ... ‘We love your support, but we need a building,; Studnicky said. ‘You’ll never…’ Crea started to say before stopping in mid-sentence. ‘Well, OK.’ … To house people seeking emergency shelter, the county relies mostly on 10 motels in Toms River and Seaside Heights — with one in Atlantic County — that it contracts with to serve that function … However, the number of motels that submit bids to Social Services has been declining in recent years as property values in Ocean County continue to soar.” SORRY BUDDY, I'M AFRAID THAT'LL GET HER IN TROUBLE — “NJ school bus driver accused of transporting students while under influence of alcohol,” by 6ABC’s Charles Watson: “A bus driver for the Clayton Public Schools District is facing multiple charges after police said she was under the influence of alcohol while transporting dozens of kids to school on Friday morning. Suzanne Stoms, 48, is charged criminally with endangering the welfare of a child. She was also charged with the following traffic summonses: Drunk Driving, Commercial Driver's License D.U.I., D.U.I. with Minor Passengers and Reckless Driving. … Action News spoke to the boyfriend at a home address listed for Stoms. He confirmed that he did call the police, but said he didn't intend for Stoms to get in trouble. He said he was trying to get Stoms help for drinking.” SEAL MISLED BY CITY’S NAME — “Baby seal rescued after wandering the streets of Ocean City,” by The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Michelle Myers: “A baby seal survived quite an odyssey this week after getting stranded in the middle of a residential area in Ocean City. Resident Michael Trojak spotted what he initially believed to be a black plastic bag in the middle of North West Avenue around 5 p.m. Wednesday. As Trojak got closer, he thought it could be a hurt dog and joined two other men already stopping to help. It wasn’t. The figure was a seal pup, and a growing crowd gathered around it. … As the little one was within a hundred yards of the beach ramp, he was rescued by the personnel from the Marine Mammal Stranding Center. The pup is in recovery at one of the center’s ICU tanks, where he will be cared for and fed until he can return to the ocean in about six weeks, director Sheila Dean said. … He is the second seal since December rescued from a roadway." —“Toms River police fight: Mayor's opponents won't surrender in battle over cop jobs” —“‘Rogue’ police were rarely punished in [Paterson]. Now they’re facing increasing discipline” —“He was once 'mayor for a day.' Now, 15 years later, he's Little Ferry's newest councilman” —“In scripted ambush, Wayne mayor airs 'major concerns' on $170M school referendum” —“[Caldwell] spending $15K a month to rent metal trailers finally has a plan for town hall” | | EVERYTHING ELSE | |
THE BRIDEBRARY — “Need a wedding dress? N.J. library loans stunning vintage gowns for free,” by NJ Advance Media’s Brianna Kudisch: “About a month before her wedding last May, Estefani Soler found her dream wedding dress. … But, Soler didn’t find the gown in a store or her grandmother’s attic. It was waiting to be borrowed just beyond the books in a dark, wood-paneled office at the Maurice M. Pine Free Public Library in Fair Lawn. … Library director Adele Puccio loaned the dress to Soler for free, just like she’s loaned at least 30 dresses to other brides over the years. She currently has about 20 vintage dresses stored at the library and her home in Bayonne in one of New Jersey’s most unusual library-based collections. No library card is required to borrow the dresses, which technically belong to Puccio, not the public library.”
HEALTH CARE — “N.J. orders ‘disaster plan’ for CarePoint hospitals, citing fear of abrupt closure and ‘significant financial distress’,” by The Jersey Journal’s Teri West: “The state Department of Health ordered CarePoint Health System to submit ‘disaster plans’ for its three hospitals this week, citing the possibility of the facilities experiencing “a disruption in services or be forced to close abruptly” because of the network’s financial crisis. Gene Rosenblum, the director of the Office of Program Compliance, attributed the risk of closure to ‘CarePoint’s significant financial distress’ in letters to Bayonne Medical Center, Christ Hospital and Hoboken University Medical Center this month. The notices gave the non-profit organization 24 hours to comply. Sources close to the hospital system said that while this indicates CarePoint’s precarious financial position, they do not believe the hospitals are at imminent risk of closing.” —“These N.J. breweries announce last call as new law arrives too late to save them”
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