Loading
You will now start receiving email updates.
Have a Thursday morning!
Yesterday, I pointed out that the ELEC agreed with the Jersey Freedom PAC’s grim statement that the proper place to challenge its movements was the ELEC, not in civil court, where a Republican lawsuit opposing it is pending. If Judge Michael Blee agrees, we probably wouldn’t see much fuss about the inner workings of the PAC unless the ELEC decides it violated the Election Transparency Act and files a complaint against it. Still, those court cases are drier than those that have been going on for several years. painting and as attractive to read as having noticed it dry.
But it’s conceivable that even if Blee dismisses the case, the inner workings of Jersey Freedom could end up in court. David Wildstein reported Wednesday that the attorney general’s office had launched a criminal investigation into the PAC, which encouraged suspected ghost applicants to siphon off Republican votes while concealing the source of their investment — South Jersey Democrats — until three weeks after the election.
Of course, there’s no way to say how far this research will go. If there is particular fraud or irregularities in how this organization is funded, it may simply be fixed. But even if you and I see overwhelming circumstantial evidence that he is independent” “Conservative” candidates Giuseppi Costanzo and Maureen Dukes-Penrose never intended to campaign, but building a case for this to be beyond doubt proves much more difficult. How do you show what’s in someone’s heart?However, and I don’t need to. Speculate too much: If investigators find that applicants earned something in exchange for fake campaigns, you might see that leading somewhere.
In the meantime, it’s worth keeping a close eye on this case in Florida, where the term “ghost candidates” is preferred to “ghost candidates. “
ADVICE? Email me at [email protected]
HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Josh Zeitz
QUOTE OF THE DAY — “It’s a manageable situation and I think it will continue to be manageable. But most importantly, by God’s favor, as a nation, comprehensive immigration reform once and for all. In the meantime, there’s no drama. Let’s get the topic down. table and locate. — Gov. Phil Murphy on migrant buses
WHERE’S MURPHY? — In Ewing at 11 a.m. to talk about last year’s shooting and homicide statistics, then Middlesex College at 5 p.m. to for a swearing-in ceremony, then Jersey City at 6:15 p.m. for another swearing-in ceremony.
A message from AARP:
New Jersey’s older residents deserve quality, affordable options for care services at home. But too many can’t afford to pay out of pocket, and they’re left waiting for Medicaid approval for services to start. While they wait, seniors who are likely to qualify for Medicaid are often forced out of their homes and into nursing homes which costs taxpayers more money. Tell Governor Murphy: Seniors can’t afford to wait. Support A4049/S3495.
CHINESE OFFICIALS SPY ON N. J. FOR RIGGED VOTES — “New Jersey used COVID relief funds to purchase banned Chinese surveillance cameras,” via Jason Koebler of 404’s Media: “New Jersey state and local agencies acquired at least $35 million worth of gadgets from local company Company that renamed banned Chinese surveillance cameras made by Dahua Technology, a company involved in surveillance of Xinjiang’s Uyghur population. At least $15 million in resources were acquired from the federal COVID relief budget, according to a federal criminal complaint. The government has charged Tamer Zakhary, CEO of the New Jersey-based surveillance company Packetalk, with three counts of wire fraud and another count of making false statements for continually lying to state and local agencies about the provenance of your company’s surveillance cameras. …In 2019, the US government banned the procurement of Dahua cameras with a federal budget because its cameras “have been implicated in human rights violations and abuses in the implementation of China’s crusade of repression. Organizing mass arbitrary detentions and high-tech surveillance against Uyghurs and Kazakhs. and other members of Muslim minority teams in Xingjiang.
UNITED STATES VAN LINES — “Officials say 23 buses have dropped off more than 1,000 migrants in New Jersey,” by The Asbury Park Press’ Ken Serrano: “Since New Year’s Eve, the number of migrants arriving at NJ Transit rail stations by bus has grown to more than 1,000, according to figures released Wednesday. Following a teleconference call between Gov. Phil Murphy and mayors in North Jersey, Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli issued a statement saying that 23 buses have arrived in the state in all, carrying 1,017 migrants. Of those, 953 traveled on to New York by train and the 64 others went elsewhere, Gonnelli said. Some were picked up by family members, officials said.”
JERSEY CITY WON’T TURN THEIR BACK ON IMMIGRANTS THE WAY THE STATUE OF LIBERTY TURNED IN JERSEY CITY – “In the shadow of the Statue of Liberty, Fulop and Jersey City officials say they won’t turn their backs to immigrants,” via The Jersey The Journal’s Mark Koosau: “Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop and other leaders of a city occasionally called America’s ‘golden gate’ said they would welcome immigrants. ” immigrants from the southern border who are being held back by the New York City government, as well as some in New Jersey. Fulop said on social media Tuesday that “we want to be cautious in addressing this challenge and find a solution at the state level, but we also want to show compassion here first,” reacting to Edison Mayor Sam Joshi’s claim, that immigrants are not “welcome here. “Array. . Other local officials such as Jersey City Council President Joyce Watterman, Councilmembers Yousef Saleh and James Solomon, and Hudson County Board of Commissioners member Bill O’Dea also said they would give the welcome immigrants to the city that overlooks the Statue of Liberty – where another 12 million people live. Immigrants passed through there between 1892 and 1954 – theirs. “We deserve to be welcoming,” Saleh said.
“In a vision of 2025, Ciattarelli and Fulop are arguing about immigrants arriving in New Jersey. “
BEER BEFORE LIQUOR — Compromise booze bill on fast track, by POLITICO’s Daniel Han: A compromise bill that would lift brewery restrictions and narrowly open up the availability of liquor licenses is on the legislative fast-track. The bill, S4265, is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee Thursday, and was done in consultation with the governor’s office, according to sponsor state Sen. Vin Gopal (D-Monmouth). The measure mirrors “much” of what was in the governor’s related November conditional veto on the matter, he said, although it will be different. … The latest compromise bill is smaller in scope than the conditional veto for opening up liquor licenses. … The latest bill does keep in place lifting restrictions on breweries, allowing them to serve food, host unlimited on-premise events and up to 25 off-site events annually.
A message from AARP:
LAME DUCK, FAST BILLS — Fast-track bill aims to hold down hard-core Democrats who make up hashish industry, via POLITICO’s Matt Friedman and Daniel Han — A last-minute bill to be heard Thursday in the Senate Judiciary Committee would slightly alleviate the conflict with the state interest law. so a hardline Democratic official and others can continue to hold an appointed position on the state board while building the hashish industry. The bill, which has not been officially introduced, would allow “certain special state agents to form licensed hashish and casino businesses,” according to a brief summary of the committee’s agenda. The law appears designed at least in part for Somerset County Democratic Chairwoman Peg Schaffer, an attorney who was a candidate for a seat on the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority in May. She said that after joining the authority, she was informed that the law prohibited her from directly establishing the hashish industry. She said she has several clients across the state. She then contacted the governor’s office about it. “They told me it was a drafting error and that they never intended to prohibit other people from serving as volunteers on the commission forums,” said Schaffer, whose role as a sports authority is unpaid.
— “Ørsted has withdrawn from New Jersey. What’s next for the wind on the Jersey Shore?”
— “New Jersey Business Tax Surcharge Expires as Financing Needs Loom”
—Hospital transparency promoted by Vitale and the unions
—Egea: “New Jersey taxpayers tolerate a billion-dollar shortfall for NJ Transit. We deserve solutions. “
— Mottola Jaborska: “Family Leave Bill Lacks Opportunities, Leaving 1 Million Employees Wanting Job Protection”
THE QAT IS OUT OF THE BAG — “Menendez case focuses on how Qatar trades its riches for clout,” by The New York Times’ Vivian Nereim and Tariq Panja: “When Senator Robert Menendez arrived in Qatar in 2022 to attend the country’s lavish production of the men’s soccer World Cup, he gave an unusual interview to the authoritarian government’s news agency praising the progress that Qatar had made on labor rights. The tiny Gulf state was facing an onslaught of international criticism over its preparations for the world’s biggest sporting event, including over the exploitation of migrant workers. … While the indictment does not accuse the Qatari government or the Qatari royal family member of illegal activity, it is the latest in a line of cases in which Qatar, a major natural gas exporter, has appeared to seek greater influence in the United States and Europe by forging relationships with powerful government officials, or people connected to them. On Tuesday — the same day that the updated indictment was released — Barry Bennett and Doug Watts, Republican political consultants, admitted in court filings to violating American foreign influence rules over their lobbying activities on behalf of Qatar. That case came just over a year after Belgian authorities announced charges against a vice president of the European Parliament, saying that she had traded political decisions benefiting Qatar for bags of cash.”
SENATE – Another Democrat enters the race for the U. S. Senate to update Menendez, via POLITICO’s Matt Friedman: A hard-working leader is the newest Democrat to sign up for the crusade to update impeached Sen. Bob Menendez. Patricia Campos-Medina, executive director of Cornell’s University Worker Institute, officially announced her candidacy Tuesday morning in a crusade video. Campos-Medina, 50, immigrated to the United States as a teenager from El Salvador during that country’s civil war. “My parents worked hard as stay-at-home moms in hotels, offices, and restaurants for a chance to build my American dream,” the Califon resident said in her video. “I’m running for the U. S. Senate because I sought to make sure that all of our young people have the same opportunities that I do. “.
— Christie Hits Back at Sununu: ‘I Remember When Chris Cared About Donald Trump’
— “South Jersey Farmer Sentenced to Prison for Pushing Police Lines in Capitol Attack”
—”Local neo-Nazi with ‘Hitler moustache’ released from prison”
—Mayorkas: Texas Governor’s Transportation of Immigrants on Buses Is a ‘Failure of Governance’
—”A Look at New Jersey’s 2024 Political Season”
A message from AARP:
New Jersey’s long-term care doesn’t work.
Senior citizens deserve quality and capable home care facilities, where they need to be. But many other people can’t afford this care out of pocket and have to wait for Medicaid approval before facilities can begin. While waiting, seniors who would possibly be eligible for Medicaid are occasionally forced to leave their homes and move to nursing homes, costing taxpayers more.
AARP is fighting for a law that would allow citizens who may be eligible for Medicaid to begin receiving in-home facilities whenever they want. It’s time to reshape our long-term care formula and make it less difficult for New Jerseyans to age in their homes and communities. Seniors who want care shouldn’t be forced out of their homes because Medicaid approval takes too long. Tell Governor Murphy: Seniors can’t wait. Support A4049/S3495.
R.I.P. — “Imam is fatally shot outside New Jersey mosque,” by The New York Times’ Claire Fahy and Mark Bonamo: “An imam was shot and killed outside a New Jersey mosque early Wednesday, the authorities said. The imam, Hassan Sharif, was shot outside the Masjid Muhammad mosque in Newark. … The gunman remained at large on Wednesday evening, and the motive for the killing was still unknown. Ras J. Baraka, Newark’s mayor, said the authorities would ‘bring the perpetrator to justice, no matter how long it takes.’ … Matthew Platkin, New Jersey’s attorney general, said at a news conference on Wednesday afternoon that there was no indication that the shooting was motivated by bias or that it was an act of terrorism, but he acknowledged the heightened sense of anxiety and fear among New Jersey’s Muslim population. … In August, [Council of Imams in New Jersey’s Wahy-ud Deen Shareef] said, Mr. Sharif was attacked at the mosque in a similar circumstance, as he was on his way to morning prayers. In a post on his Facebook page, Mr. Sharif had described the encounter as a “definite test” in which a man approached him after he got out of his car and put a gun to his head. Mr. Sharif was able to wrestle the gun away from the attacker, who fled the scene.”
THE BENEFITS OF PUBLIC SERVICE — “Indicted N.J. officials ask court to decide how to count work hours,” by NJ Advance Media’s Riley Yates: “At City Halls across New Jersey, local elected officials play roles far different from the cop who patrols the street or the public works crew that plows it. So how should the hours they work be calculated? That’s a question that two Wildwood officials accused of public corruption are now asking a judge to decide. City Commissioner Steve Mikulski and former Mayor Ernie Troiano Jr. are charged with defrauding taxpayers by illegally signing up for government health insurance benefits. Prosecutors say they falsely claimed they worked full-time to qualify for the coverage, though they held other jobs and allegedly only put in part-time hours. But in a lawsuit filed last week, Mikulski and Troiano insisted they are the victims of bad rulemaking, saying state regulators dropped the ball by failing to specify how an elected official’s hours should be calculated and ignoring the unique duties that those roles carry.”
SCHOOL IS SUPPRESSED BY SUFFRAGE: “Ocean County Will Not Remove Polling Places From Toms River Schools, So Remote Learning Remains,” via Jean Mikle of The Asbury Park Press: “Toms River Regional School Board members have again called for the Ocean County Elections. The school board removes polling places from school buildings, so students no longer want to rely on remote learning on Election Day. But that’s unlikely. George R. Gilmore, chairman of the county’s board of elections, said council members had previously discussed the school board’s request, but had not sought to move polling places from school buildings. On Election Day, which will take place on November 5 this year, schools will host a virtual learning day, in which students will read from home. Gilmore said the solution would be for the state to claim the number one day and the day of the general election as holidays, which would make the factor moot.
KRAMER WALKED OUT OF THERE AND LOVES EVERY MINUTE OF IT — “Old Tappan Mayor John Kramer, Police Leader for 26 Years, Resigns,” via Marsha A. Stoltz of The Record: “Old Tappan Mayor John Kramer, Police Leader for 26 In 1962, the U. S. faced a Cuban missile crisis, Jackie Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, and John Kramer began his decades of service in the township as a volunteer firefighter. The 84-year-old resigned on Tuesday after 8 years. as mayor, 16 years on the Planning Board, 19 years on the Council and 34 years in the police, 26 of them as a leader.
— “In Asbury Park, gang violence affects the community. What are we doing to prevent this?
—“[Paterson] cop who hit suspect with flashlight 14 times wants to rejoin force, get back pay”
— “Paterson Police Suspended for 30 Days After Being Accused of Domestic Violence”
— “Jersey City Council continues with Watterman as council chairman, much to Rivera’s dismay”
— “As Atlantic City adds more security cameras, 2 men die in spaces that are already covered by them. “
—Snowflack: “The Full Montville – The town that sued itself”
—“Romano named to 1st full term as chair of Hudson County Board of Commissioners”
JUST LIKE RUTGERS LAW STUDENTS WERE SO CLOSE TO RESOLVING ISRAEL-PALESTINE — “Student sues Rutgers Law School over ‘cancerous culture’ of anti-Semitism,” via Tina Kelley of NJ Advance Media: “Rutgers Law Student Rutgers Law School that says it faces imaginable situations Suspension has been demanded. Rutgers University on Tuesday, criticizing “a developing trend of anti-Semitic incidents” at the state university. In a lawsuit filed in Essex County Superior Court against Rutgers Law School, 4 of its deans and several administrators, Yoel Ackerman, 36, a first-year law student, said school officials had retaliated against him for reporting a disturbing video posted on a student. Discussion on the organization of the bar. …According to the complaint, the video falsely claims that there were no rapes during the October 7 attacks and denies that there were murders at the Reim music festival in which at least another 260 people died. dead, and claims that the attackers were “kind” and “merciful. ” ” to the Israelis. The video accused Jews of mendacity using “atrocity propaganda. ”… According to the lawsuit, Rutgers officials “authorized a witch hunt” against Ackerman, who faces a disciplinary hearing for which the university calls “defamation, disorderly conduct, bullying, intimidation and harassment. ” But the hearing was postponed twice and the lawsuit indicated that he could be suspended or deported.