Good Wednesday morning!
There’s been a controversy bubbling for a while now about why NJ Transit is intent on moving its headquarters to the Gateway building in Newark — a complex owned by Murphy donors — when there were several other viable options that cost less than this one’s potential $477 million price tag.
Those other options, at least from a surface perspective, seem worth considering when you take into account NJ Transit’s projected eventual $900 million deficit.
Now, The Record’s Colleen Wilson reports that one of the owners, John Saraceno, gave a tour of the complex to NJ Transit higher-ups in 2021 — a year before the agency hired a real estate consultant to solicit bids. And that consultant, according to Wilson, suggested a different office space leased by Panasonic. But NJ Transit CEO Kevin Corbett never toured that space, the report says.
NJ Transit says it has its reasons for sticking with the Gateway Center, but it didn’t respond to Wilson’s inquiries. So keep your eye on this one, and hopefully we’ll get a bit more transparency from the agency.
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QUOTE OF THE DAY: “It’s not a prayer — it’s a thought. If a student chooses to think about pizza, he can think about pizza.” — Rabbi Mayer Gurkov, who’s proposing a minute of silence pilot program to combat bullying in Wayne schools.
STATISTIC OF THE DAY: More New Jersey state lawmakers follow me on Twitter than the governor, Assembly speaker or Senate president, according to an analysis by Legislata
HAPPY BIRTHDAY — George Graham, Deborah Howlett, Becky Steele
WHERE’S MURPHY? — Media: “Ask Governor Murphy” on News 12 at 5 p.m.
THE MICRO STAMP ACT — New Jersey Attorney General’s office five months behind on gun microstamping law, by POLITICO’s Daniel Han: Gov. Phil Murphy last July signed a bill into law that created a roadmap to mandate gun retailers sell firearms with microstamping technology, as part of his third major gun safety package. The technology leaves unique identifiers on bullet casings to identify the make, model and serial number of a firearm. Both Murphy and Attorney General Matt Platkin, who have prioritized gun safety initiatives, support the technology. The law requires the Attorney General to investigate the viability of microstamping technology in guns within 180 days. The findings of that investigation would guide what requirements the state has for mandating gun retailers sell firearms with the microstamping technology. That investigation was due by January 2023; however, a public records request from POLITICO to the Attorney General’s Office found that there were no responsive findings to the investigation. In a statement, the Attorney General’s office said that results are expected this summer.
TEENS HAVE HAD NOWHERE TO GO SINCE THEY SHUT DOWN THE BURGER KING KIDS CLUB — Fast-tracked bill seeks to deal with rowdy teens at the shore, by POLITICO’s Matt Friedman: Trenton Democrats are moving quickly on legislation to increase penalties for underage drinking and allow cops to search teens they see with alcoholic beverages. The bill, NJ A5610 (22R), was introduced in the Assembly June 8 and is already scheduled for a hearing in the Assembly Judiciary Committee on Thursday, an unusually quick turnaround that suggests it’s on the fast track to passage during the busy budget season, at least in the lower house. … Under the bill, the law would remain the same for cannabis possession, but police would be allowed to issue $100 fines for alcohol possession. And police would have the authority to search those with alcohol “in plain sight.” The bill leaves in place the ability to charge police with official deprivation of civil rights if they violate a juvenile’s rights.
THIS WILL DRIVE UNITED VAN LINES OUT OF BUSINESS — “Who would most benefit from plan to give N.J. seniors property tax cuts? We looked into it,” by NJ Advance Media’s Riley Yates and Brent Johnson: “But while the plan is designed to effectively slash property taxes in half each year for most homeowners 65 and older, the majority of older residents in the Garden State’s four largest cities would get relatively little help because they rent. At the same time, a large swath of places such as Alpine — one of the state’s wealthiest zip codes — would receive the maximum payout because most residents in that ritzy Bergen County suburb are seniors who own their property. … Alpine was among the winners in NJ Advance Media’s analysis, with seniors owning 51.1% of the borough’s homes. Other high-income communities with large senior populations include Avalon and Stone Harbor in Cape May County and Mantoloking in Ocean County. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a nonpartisan group in Washington, D.C., released its own analysis of the legislation, calling it ‘unnecessarily expensive’ and ‘not based on need.’”
DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL – “N.J. unveils sweeping new crime database showing arrests, race of defendants,” by NJ Advance Media’s Anthony G. Attrino: “The state Attorney General on Tuesday unveiled a sweeping new Criminal Justice Data Dashboard that provides information about people arrested in New Jersey for serious crimes dating back to 2017. The dashboard gives a statewide snapshot of those arrested, the crimes they allegedly committed, the demographics of victims and the outcomes of cases in court, state officials said during a Zoom press conference. … However, the data has been “de-identified” and does not contain the names of those arrested. It also does not provide users with the ability to look up individual cases. … The dashboard shows 237,610 defendants had a single arrest between 2017 and 2022 and another 118,860 had multiple arrests. Essex and Camden counties had the most arrests, the dashboard says. White defendants, which includes those of Hispanic origin, made up 56% of those charged, while 38% of charged defendants were Black, according to the data. Drug offenses topped the list of charges, followed by assault/threat/stalking and drug paraphernalia, the dashboard says.”
A HOSTILE CLIMATE — “New Jersey is teaching kids about climate. Opponents call it ‘indoctrination.’,” by Grist’s Anya Kamenetz: “New Jersey is the first state in America to adopt standards for learning about climate change in each grade, from K through 12, and across several different subjects, even physical education. Initially these additions didn’t draw much political heat, possibly because sex education standards were being updated at the same time. But this year, the standards in the core subjects of math and English language arts came up for revision. Proposed draft revisions also include climate change. … At the May 3 public hearing, in front of two members of the State Board of Education, supporters of the changes … were blindsided and well outnumbered by organized right-wing activists who testified against teaching climate change. It’s one meeting, but it could be a bellwether. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, school boards have become ground zero for the culture wars, as they have been at times throughout American history.”
WAIT. WHAT? REALLY? — “Better government tech starts with people. New Jersey shows how,” by Jennifer Pahlka for The Washington Post: “After a sigh of relief at the debt ceiling deal, eyes have turned toward what got thrown overboard to right the ship. Having co-chaired California’s task force to clear a backlog of 1.3 million unemployment insurance claims during the pandemic, I’m disappointed to see the federal government jettison $1 billion in Covid-era funding that was intended to update the processing and payment systems that help American workers in hard times. Yet the cut could be an opportunity to rethink technology in government. Big-ticket purchases of hardware and software haven’t paid off. Instead, as New Jersey’s exceptional performance suggests, smart digital investments must start with people. … It consistently ranks among the top states in access to unemployment benefits. It did falter under the tsunami of claims that hit every state beginning in March 2020, but recovered faster and adapted quicker than most. And after clearing the backlog, it embarked on an ongoing effort to improve the claimant experience.”
—“‘A fundamental right’: NJ moves forward on codifying interracial marriage”
—“N.J. offshore wind facility a year behind schedule, may never catch up, a new report says”
—“Scathing Murphy letter says ‘flawed’ congestion pricing will cause NJ Transit fare hike, pollution spike”
—“Hugin will seek re-election as GOP state chairman, has no challenger”
—“Tougher drug penalties don’t work. I know this from experience | Opinion”
—“Pending bill would divert mentally ill from criminal court”
—“Residents call for Upper Township to take a stand on wind power”
—“Christie calls Trump ‘a child’ and other standout moments from ex-N.J. gov’s CNN town hall”
—Trump goes on offensive in New Jersey
—Snowflack: “Trump allies show up in Bedminster”
—“Lincoln Project targets Trump’s classified documents case in Bedminster”
MOODY TEEN COUNTERS WITH PROPOSAL FOR SIX HOURS OF SILENCE — “Is a moment of silence the key to stop bullying in Wayne schools? One rabbi thinks so,” by The Record’s Philip DeVencentis: “The leader of a local synagogue has offered to help stem a rise in school bullying after parents complained to the Board of Education that their children were victims of frequent ridicule by their classmates. Rabbi Mayer Gurkov appeared at the most recent school board meeting to propose a program that would have students observe moments of silence as part of their morning routines. Gurkov, 32, who leads worship services at Chabad Center of Passaic County on Ratzer Road, suggested that trustees pilot the initiative at Anthony Wayne Middle School, where the recent complaints originated. The rabbi said he would gladly volunteer to launch the program. … In a phone interview after the meeting, Gurkov said his proposal should not be interpreted as a type of prayer. State law allows public schools to observe one-minute moments of silence to be used ‘solely at the discretion of the individual student’ for ‘quiet and private contemplation.’”
WEST PATERSON — “Kazmark resigning as Woodland Park mayor to take Ridgewood post,” by New Jersey Globe’s David Wildstein: “Woodland Park Mayor Keith Kazmark will resign next month to become the village manager in Ridgewood, the New Jersey Globe has confirmed. Council President Tracy Kallert will become the acting mayor. Kazmark was up for re-election this year; he will drop out of the race, and Kallert is expected to become the new Democratic nominee. Republicans did not nominate a candidate, leaving Kallert unopposed in the general election. His new role in Ridgewood follows service as the Elmwood Park clerk and administrator and as the administrator in Parsippany.”
UNFAIR LAWN — “Fair Lawn Planning Board attorney resigns, is replaced weeks after controversial tweet,” by The Record’s Stephanie Noda: “The Fair Lawn Planning Board has a new attorney about two weeks after community members raised concerns about a tweet from the borough’s former Planning Board attorney. The community believed former Planning Board Attorney Gregg Paster’s tweet was antisemitic, but Paster said it was a poor attempt at commentary on Washington politics. The Planning Board voted to approve Doug Bern to begin serving as its new attorney during its Monday evening meeting. … The message on Paster’s Twitter feed, now deleted, said: ‘The boss Jew. He will be the first one they ship off to the camp when they take back over. God love him.’ … In an email exchange last month, Paster said he is also Jewish. The tweet, he said, was intended as “satirical criticism of the political right wing.’”
LEGISLATURE CALLED TO EMERGENCY SESSION FOR HOT DOG GUN CONTROL PACKAGE — “Phillie Phanatic, 2 former Phils to appear on OC Boardwalk on Wednesday,” by The Press of Atlantic City: “The Phillie Phanatic is planning a beach day to help raise money for charity. The Phanatic will be part of the festivities Wednesday at ‘Phillies Day at Manco & Manco’ on the Ocean City Boardwalk. Part of the proceeds from pizza sales will benefit Phillies Charities Inc.”
BIAS CRIMES — “Ocean County man charged in bias crime spree,” by Jersey Shore Online’s Chris Lundy: “A local man received 36 criminal counts of bias intimidation and arson for an anti-Semitic crime spree, officials said. Ron Carr, 34, of Manchester, allegedly destroyed a home in the Pine Lake Park section of town, and vandalized homes, fences and other property with Nazi symbolism.”
—“Egg Harbor Township pig case on hold in municipal court as township lawsuit looms”
—“Suspended [Manville] police chief accused of sex assaults, misconduct faces new charge”
—“Can this new LGBTQ pride sign end dispute in Westwood? It’s up to the school board”
— “Developer sues Leonia in effort to build apartment building where two homes now sit”
R.I.P. — “N.J. teen drowned while swimming across lake for unsanctioned school ‘scavenger hunt,’ mayor says,” by NJ Advance Media’s Nyah Marshall: “The Pitman High School senior that drowned while swimming in a South Jersey lake Sunday night, days before his graduation, was participating in an unsanctioned senior scavenger hunt, the town’s mayor said. Victor Rodriguez, 18, was trying to make it across Alcyon Lake in Pitman when he went under the water at about 8:30 p.m., authorities said. Authorities located his body Monday afternoon. Rodriguez was participating in a scavenger hunt at the time, according to a GoFundMe page organized by his family, which has received almost $50,000 in donations as of Tuesday.”
FIELD OF SCREAMS — “Spectator at N.J. youth baseball game punched another man over call on field, cops say,” by NJ Advance Media’s Jeff Goldman: “A 30-year-old man at a youth baseball playoff game in Gloucester County was arrested after punching another spectator following an argument over a call on the field, authorities said. Dillon M. Smith approached the 44-year-old man after the game ended shortly after 8 p.m. on June 6 and attacked him, Franklin Township police said in a statement.”
ACTUAL GROOMING — —“Accused of trampoline sex and nude paintings, Monmouth County youth coach freed from jail,” by The Asbury Park Press’ Kathleen Hopkins: “A youth gymnastics coach took advantage of the trust his subjects placed in him by having sexual relationships with three young athletes, even painting nudes of one and recording video of their sexual encounters, an assistant Monmouth County prosecutor said Monday. Assistant Prosecutor Keri-Leigh Schaefer, asking a judge to keep Sasha C. Raught in jail without bail to await trial on aggravated sexual assault and sexual assault charges, argued the 55-year-old Manchester man is a danger to the community … Despite that, Superior Court Judge Paul X. Escandon ordered Raught released from jail after he learned the most recent of the alleged offenses occurred 15 years ago, with no new allegations since then, and Raught’s attorney pointed out what she said are serious issues with the state’s case.”
—“Priced out of the Jersey Shore: Some travelers opt for all-inclusive resorts instead as rental costs soar”
