| | | | |  | | By Matt Friedman | Good Wednesday morning! Come January, local government bodies are going to reorganize , and as part of that they’ll have to pick their official paper to place all kinds of legal notices. But some of those towns will soon not have an official paper. With the print shutdown of the Star-Ledger and a couple sister publications in February, and the impending complete death of The Jersey Journal that same month, some places will be without any newspaper that qualifies under New Jersey’s law to print legal notices. I don’t have the figures, but the Star-Ledger is designated official paper of many governing bodies. And the Jersey Journal is the official newspaper in parts of Hudson County. (“There’s literally nothing anymore,” Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop said of its closure.) Fights over over newspaper legal notices used to break out pretty frequently . Elected officials pushed for allowing governments to post legal notices on their own websites, and the newspaper industry pushed back hard, with some arguing it opened the door to politicians punishing newspapers for unfavorable coverage by using legal notices as leverage. It was a reasonable argument, and former Gov. Chris Christie's attempt to revive it in the aftermath of the Bridgegate scandal only seemed to bolster it, with the attempt dubbed the “Newspaper Revenge Bill.” Now, it looks like they don’t have a choice but to change the law. There’s a bill sitting in Trenton right now that would allow online publications to publish the ads. ““We’re working with the School Boards Association and the Association of Counties, and we’re asking that the Legislature amend the statutes to permit the qualified use of online news platforms to publish official notices,” said Michael Cerra, executive director of the League of Municipalities. Tom Cafferty, general counsel of the New Jersey Press Association, said his organization has been working with lawmakers for about a year on a yet-to-be-introduced bill to address the issue. He noted that Reynolds’ bill does not address what advertising rates would be for online. (The rates haven’t increased since 1983.) “Even though we haven’t had a rate increase in 40-plus years, there’s a sense there’s no appetite to increase rates. So how do you create a rate structure that essentially keeps the rate the same but is a meaningful way of calculating it on the internet as opposed to in print?” Cafferty said. It appears lawmakers don’t have much time to figure out a solution. And while it might seem simple to allow governments to place notices is a hyper-local website, considering the political connections of some of their owners, the potential for conflict seems significant. TIPS? FEEDBACK? Email me at mfriedman@politico.com. QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I don’t wake up every morning dying to sue the federal administration.” — Attorney General Matt Platkin HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Robert Garrison, Juan Melli, David Turner WHERE’S MURPHY ? Back in the USA. He plans a virtual press conference with DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette at 11 a.m. on the wildfires, and an appearance on “Ask Governor Murphy” on your local NPR affiliate at 7 p.m.
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BLAZING SADDLE RIVERS — “New Jersey will issue a drought warning after driest October ever and as wildfires rage,” by The AP’s Wayne Parry: “With wildfires burning after its driest September and October ever, New Jersey will issue a drought warning, a step that could eventually lead to mandatory water restrictions if significant rain doesn’t fall soon. The state Department of Environmental Protection held an online hearing Tuesday on the conditions. But they would not answer questions, including whether any part of the state is in danger of running out of drinking water or adequate water to fight fires, which are burning in nearly a half-dozen locations. The Associated Press left a message seeking comment from the department after the meeting. About an hour after it concluded, the department announced a press briefing for Wednesday ‘to discuss the state entering Drought Warning status as prolonged dry periods continue statewide.’ … State geologist Steven Domber said water levels are declining across New Jersey. ‘They are well below long-term averages, and they’re trending down,’ he said. ‘They will continue to drop over the coming weeks unless we get significant rainfall.’”
—“ N.J. residents, groups urge state to take quick action to prevent serious water shortage” —“Numerous wind-whipped wildfires burn across N.J. on gusty, dry day ” GOVHEIMER — “Gottheimer, Sherrill will enter N.J. governor’s race,” by New Jersey Globe’s David Wildstein: “Two New Jersey House members will launch their campaigns for the Democratic nomination for governor over the next seven days, the New Jersey Globe has confirmed. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Tenafly) will announce his candidacy on Friday, November 15 at the Runway Diner in South Hackensack. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair) will launch her campaign on Monday, November 18. Fresh off successful re-election bids, the two Members of Congress become the fifth and sixth Democrats to join the race to succeed term-limited Rep. Phil Murphy in 2025. They join Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, former Senate President Steve Sweeney, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, and Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller, the president of the New Jersey Education Association.” —Most voters don't know 2025 candidates, poll finds —“ Denied by establishment, Baraka energized by 2024 results” THE END OF THE LINE — “How jittery are NJ lawmakers about ballot design? ” by NJ Spotlight News’ Colleen O’Dea: “The leaders of a special state Assembly committee considering a new ballot design for New Jersey say they are keeping an open mind, but after the first two hearings, it appears some members want any new ballot to include features that critics say could give some candidates an edge. … Assemblyman Al Barlas (R-40th), co-chair of the select committee, asked several speakers their thoughts on Connecticut’s ballot, which for the general election uses rows and columns and lists party-endorsed candidates first. Julia Sass Rubin … who has written about the advantages the county-line ballot provides to party-endorsed candidates, called Connecticut’s ballot ‘very unfair’ and argued for using an office-block ballot with only candidates’ names in a primary, and the addition of party labels in a general election. … Several committee members at the two previous hearings raised concerns that there would otherwise be no way to distinguish candidates on the ballot and help voters know who was running. Several states denote whether a candidate is an incumbent. New Jersey currently does not. Lawmakers also asked how to show candidates who are running together, such as two Assembly running mates.” IT REALLY GETS HIS GOTTE — “The philosophical battle over public school civics curriculum,” by InsiderNJ’s Fred Snowflack: “With the election still on the minds of many, let’s talk civics. That seems to be the latest focus of the New Jersey Public Education Coalition. While this is a grassroots group formed to combat ‘right wing extremism’ in public schools, its most recent foray is very much bipartisan. The coalition says it just sent out more than 1,200 requests under the Open Public Records Act to make sure schools around the state are implementing a civics curriculum the state mandated beginning with the 2022-23 school year. … The civics course mandate requires that districts teach the values and principles underlying the American system of constitutional democracy, the function and limitations of government, and the role of a citizen in a democratic society. It is based on legislation co-sponsored by Tom Kean Jr. back in 2020 when he was a state senator. Michael Gottesman, the coalition founder, said there is ‘some indication’ some districts are not implementing the new program.”
| | | | Policy change is coming—be the pro who saw it first. Access POLITICO Pro’s Issue Analysis series on what the transition means for agriculture, defense, health care, tech, and more. Strengthen your strategy. | | | | | I THOUGHT ‘TARGET ZERO’ WAS DEMS’ LONG-TERM ELECTORAL STRATEGY — “As pedestrian deaths rise, cries grow to ‘target zero’ traffic fatalities in New Jersey,” by New Jersey Monitor’s Dana DiFilippo: “Eleven-year-old Nikhil Badlani was just two miles from home when a driver blew through a stop sign and smashed into his dad’s van at a South Orange intersection, causing a three-car wreck that cost the middle-schooler his life. Since the 2011 crash, Badlani’s family has been on a crusade to make New Jersey’s roadways safer. Now, they’re part of a coalition, the Vision Zero NJ Alliance, that’s pushing state legislators to pass a bill that would create a multi-agency commission tasked with devising strategies to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries in New Jersey by 2040. “We’re hoping that the elected leaders will focus more on this crisis, because that’s what it is,” said Sangeeta Badlani, Nikhil’s mother. More than 580 people have died in traffic crashes in New Jersey so far this year, while the state’s roads claimed another 606 lives last year, according to the Vision Zero NJ Alliance. While that includes pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, and passengers, the death toll disproportionately impacts those who walk or bike; pedestrian deaths rose nearly 40% this year, putting New Jersey among the top 20 states for pedestrian fatalities, according to the alliance.” —“Fulop announces Velez III & Claybrooks as his state Assembly candidates in LD-34” —“ The race is on for Conaway’s Assembly seat as Singh launches campaign” | | | BIDEN TIME | | |
TESTA CASE — It’s a week after the election, and three names so far are circulating for potential Trump picks for U.S. Attorney among some insiders I talked to: State Sens. Michael Testa and Doug Steinhardt, and Scott McBride , a white collar defense partner at Lowenstein Sandler. I reached out to all three yesterday. “It’s that age-old adage of ‘an offer you can’t refuse,’” he said, confirming he’d be interested in the post but saying he hasn’t spoken with anyone about it. “I would actively pursue that if I thought I was really being considered,” he said. McBride worked at the New Jersey U.S. Attorney’s Office under him for several years, including several under Chris Christie, and shares a firm with former Attorney General Chris Porrino. It could get awkward for Testa and Steinhardt considering this news I reported in August, but when has that ever stopped Trump? Full disclosure: David Wildstein reported this yesterday afternoon, but I had already done my own reporting on it so figured I wouldn’t waste it. McBride got back to me Tuesday evening and said that article was “quite literally the first time I heard or read anything of the sort.”
—“ Alina Habba emerges as front-runner for Trump press secretary” —“ Facing new Trump term, this is what same-sex marriage, LGBTQ+ advocates are doing” —“N.J. man who followed crowd into Capitol on Jan. 6 pleads guilty” —“Former Brick woman who boasted of role in Jan. 6 Capitol riot sentenced to 45 days” | | LOCAL | |
COOKED — “Englishtown police chief charged with computer theft, conspiracy to commit shoplifting ,” by The Asbury Park Press’ Erik Larsen: “Englishtown Police Chief Peter S. Cooke, who was placed on paid administrative leave from his $128,548-a-year position in April, has been charged with computer theft and conspiracy to commit shoplifting, according to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office. Cooke, 58, will now be suspended without pay pending the outcome of the charges, said Englishtown Mayor Daniel Francisco … An investigation by the Professional Responsibility Unit of the Prosecutor’s Office determined that … Cooke utilized a law-enforcement database to look up information about two individuals, outside of the scope of any legitimate law enforcement purpose, according to the statement.”
A JILLING STATISTIC — “South Paterson experienced a red wave — and 15% voted for Jill Stein. Here's why,” by The Record’s Hannan Adely: “South Paterson experienced a red wave — and In South Paterson, home to one of the nation’s largest Middle Eastern communities, anger and despair over the war in Gaza spilled over into the polls. In the onetime Democratic stronghold, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump were separated by six votes, at about 41% of the vote each, unofficial election results showed. Harris was leading with provisional ballots and some write-ins still being counted. Another 15% of voters picked the Green Party’s Jill Stein. In Passaic County, which voted red for the first time since 1992, the South Paterson vote may not seem surprising. But it was a sea change in an area where huge majorities chose Democrats in the last two presidential elections, when Trump was viewed as hostile to their communities. ‘Most of our community are Democrats,’ said Raed Odeh, a South Paterson business owner and community activist. ‘But they are not happy with Biden and Harris and what they have done with foreign policy, especially in Gaza and Lebanon right now.’” DEFAMATION LEGALITY JAM — “ Former top Paterson official sues another over KKK social media post,” by The Paterson Press’ Joe Malinconico: “The city’s former top economic development official, Michael Powell, last week filed a defamation lawsuit against Paterson Community Improvements Director David Gilmore over a social media photo depicting Powell as a member of the Ku Klux Klan. The lawsuit said Gilmore’s posting last August of a manipulated photo showing Powell wearing a KKK robe and hood was an escalation of ‘a public smearing campaign’ that began in 2023 with Gilmore calling Powell a racist at public City Council meetings. … In response to the lawsuit, Gilmore said a defamation claim has merit only if the accusations being made are unfounded. He said Powell has a track record of “discriminatory acts, which appear to be racist.” MORINANG IN AMERICA — “Democrat gets Gloucester Sheriff’s office back; GOP holds two county commissioner seats,” by New Jersey Globe’s David Wildstein: “Democrat Carmel Morina has reclaimed the Gloucester County Sheriff’s post he lost three years ago, defeating Republican incumbent Jonathan Sammons by 568 votes, but two GOP county commissioners have won re-election after vote-by-mail and provisional ballots were counted on Tuesday. Incumbents Nicholas DeSilvio (80,561) and Christopher Konawel (78,363) beat Democrats Tom Bianco (77,923) and Don Heverly (77,409). Just 440 votes separated Konawel and Bianco, the mayor of Clayton. Heverly, a Monroe councilman and ironworkers official, trails DeSilvio by 3,152 votes. Both races could go to recounts.” —“Standard & Poor's upgrades Atlantic City debt rating, citing better management, finances” —“ Change-of-venue motion for 5 charged in Cumberland Detective Sgt. Mosley's murder to be heard next week” —“Cranford cop alleges political malfeasance after losing out on promotion ” —“Jersey City progressive activist Eleana Little to seek Ward E council seat” —“Long Branch appoints [Glen Rassas] to fill City Council seat vacated by death” | | EVERYTHING ELSE | |
DAVID BROOKS' BAR TAB TO GET A LITTLE HIGHER — Airport food could become even pricier to fund worker wage increase, by POLITICO’s Ry Rivard: The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, with the support of Democratic governors in both states, is proposing to allow airport shops to charge an even higher markup on food, drinks and other goods. A new proposal, announced on Tuesday by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, would allow airport stores and restaurants to charge 15 percent more than street prices and also allow the concessionaires to add a 3 percent pre-tax “Employee Benefits and Retention surcharge.” Though airport vendors have faced repeated criticism for high prices, theirs are supposed to be no more than 10 percent of “street prices” for the same items. The higher markup is the result of a compromise to raise wages for workers at the region’s three major airports: JFK, LaGuardia and Newark.
WINDMILLS, OBVIOUSLY — “We are in bad shape': Why is New Jersey not getting any rain?” by The Record’s Matt Fagan: “At best, Sunday night's rainfall has given the Garden State a brief respite from the parched conditions that have existed since summer. State officials said, that with no significant rain expected this week, the less than the half-inch that fell late Sunday into early Monday morning at best, damped bone-dry ground and air. By midweek, the extreme conditions and all the byproducts like statewide wildfires, are likely to return. ‘We are in bad shape,’ state Climatologist David Robinson said. Monday, ‘We've gone from worse to worst.’” —“Genealogy research at [Ramapo College] leads to arrest in 50-year-old cold case" —“ The Listening Line: NJ nonprofit aims to reach people before they hit crisis point” —“ New era for midwifery in New Jersey? Decades after NJ was among first states with graduate-level midwifery training, options expand for students” —“Johnny Gaudreau’s family watches as man accused of killing NHL star and his brother appears in court ”
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