Latest news with #Spadea
Politico
4 days ago
- Politics
- Politico
Is Spadea's radio return imminent?
Good Wednesday morning! Former gubernatorial candidate Bill Spadea wasn't at the 'New Jersey Unites' rally Saturday to boost Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli. 'Certain people are still being party poopers, but that's their call,' former state Sen Ed Durr told The Inquirer. Spadea has been uncharacteristically quiet since losing badly to Ciattarelli. But he may be talking to New Jerseyans again soon. There's informed speculation that he's going to be returning to the radio soon. Far-right podcaster Mike Crispi tweeted last week that Spadea is 'coming back to the airwaves' in September but didn't say where he heard it, or whether it would be back at NJ 101.5. And I've heard similar claims third-hand. A spokesperson for the station's parent company said they have nothing official to confirm yet. I've been expecting this for some time. Spadea didn't formally cut ties with 101.5, where he hosted the drive time show for 10 years. Rather, he's been on leave since he hosted his last show in January. And Spadea suggested during his concession speech that he'd return to his hosting gig, which he called 'the biggest microphone in this state.' My colleague Daniel Han has even recently heard commercials on the station read by Spadea (and presumably not the voice AI used by his campaign). 'Nothing has been announced yet about his next steps professionally, but we will have some exciting news to share soon,' former Spadea Campaign Manager Tom Bonfonti said in a statement. If Spadea's lack of attendance at the unity rally is any indication, he still hasn't come around on backing Ciattarelli. Will he, like he did four years ago, criticize the Republican nominee for governor from his perch on New Jersey's largest radio station? Or will he be sensitive to sour grapes accusations? Also in Spadea news, a three-year-old defamation lawsuit against him by child psychologist Steven Tobias looks to be headed for trial soon. Last week, a judge scheduled it for Oct. 20, though Spadea's attorney is seeking to get it moved to January, citing a dispute over depositions. FEEDBACK? Reach me at mfriedman@ WHERE'S MURPHY? Back in New Jersey. He's in Kearny at 11 a.m. to sign this legislation on manufacturing tax credits QUOTE OF THE DAY: 'An elephant in Jersey? Fuhgeddaboudit.' — A billboard on Route 9 sponsored by World Animal Protection, which is demanding Six Flags Great Adventure and Wild Safari shut down its elephant exhibit and release its five elephants to a wildlife sanctuary HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Gerry Krovatin, Larry Weitzner, Sharon Shinkle-Gardner, Kristin Ianco Yaeger WHAT TRENTON MADE SCUTABBA — Alina Habba dines with Scutari, O'Toole, by POLITICO's Matt Friedman: Amid uncertainty about her tenure, controversial acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba met Monday night with a powerful New Jersey Democrat and several well-connected Republicans. Habba dined at Ristorante da Benito in Union with Democratic Senate President Nick Scutari, Port Authority Chair and former GOP state Sen. Kevin O'Toole, former New Jersey U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito and Tom Scrivo, O'Toole's law partner who served as chief counsel to Gov. Chris Christie. That's according to two officials with knowledge of the meeting who were granted anonymity to discuss a politically sensitive subject. The dinner suggests Habba is at least open to establishing relationships with powerful New Jersey Democrats, even after she expressed a desire to 'turn New Jersey red,' announced investigations into New Jersey's immigration enforcement policies, aborted the prosecution of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, indicted Rep. LaMonica McIver and announced an investigation of Gov. Phil Murphy's gaffe about housing a person above his garage 'whose immigration status is not yet at the point they are trying to get it to.' HOW NOT TO HELP DAD GET A PARDON — New Jersey Democrats are continuing to use President Donald Trump as a boogeyman as they look to boost Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill's gubernatorial bid against Republican Jack Ciattarelli. Standing in front of the building formerly known as Trump Plaza in Jersey City on Tuesday, Rep. Rob Menendez was flanked by union leader Martinique Costa, and Lissa Santiago, an educator, for the New Jersey Democratic State Committee's first stop in its statewide tour dubbed 'Jack's Not for Jersey.' Menendez chided Ciattarelli for his support of Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act, echoing a line of messaging Sherrill has also used. 'In seven months, Trump has already failed New Jersey, and Jack is tied to all of those failures because he would support every single one,' Menendez said. 'That's going to be on the ballot in November.' Sherrill and her allies have consistently tied Ciattarelli to the president, with the hope that Trump's negative approval rating in the state and repeated warnings about how his policies could impact the economy will drag Ciattarelli down. Ciattarelli has pushed back against these attacks by asserting he is focused on New Jersey issues. — Madison Fernandez (headline by me) —'New details about hundreds of millions tacked on to NJ budget' —'Where's the pork in New Jersey's 2026 budget?' —'A teacher's murder over 50 years ago just prompted a landmark parole ruling against her killer' —'NJ state trooper from Brick pleads guilty to attempting to arrange sex with 14-year-old' —'Former South Toms River mayor to replace Democrat in LD10 race' —'Green Party names new lieutenant governor candidate' —'Stockton's Hughes Center, Press of Atlantic City to host 2nd District Assembly debate' TRUMP ERA INTIMIGRATION — 'Immigrant detentions in N.J. and Pa. rise as more people without criminal records are held,' by The Philadelphia Inquirer's Joe Yerardi: 'The number of people detained in ICE custody in New Jersey and Pennsylvania was up about 68% in July compared to figures at the start of President Donald Trump's administration, recently released government data show. At the same time, the proportion of detainees ICE classifies as 'non-criminal' has risen by more than 50% since mid-January (ICE did not respond to a question seeking a precise definition of that term). The increase in those cases, in which people are charged with immigration offenses, such as entering the country illegally or overstaying a visa, accounts for the entire growth in the region's detained population. There are currently seven active facilities in the region — five in Pennsylvania and two in New Jersey.' —'Two House Democrats vow to continue oversight visits at ICE jails' —'Pou, Kim and Booker must champion organ donation in NJ. Here's how | Opinion' —'National Republicans attack Nellie Pou over 'leaked memo' they wrote' LOCAL LUNA-CY — 'Fatal crash suspect had two prior DUIs. How was he allowed to drive?' by Red Bank Green's Brian Donohue: 'The Red Bank man charged with killing a mother and daughter in a Lakewood car crash had already been charged twice this year with driving under the influence, but may have been allowed to keep driving legally because of a statewide pause on thousands of DUI cases involving a new unproven breathalyzer machine, court officials, prosecutors and defense attorneys tell redgankgreen. Raul Luna-Perez, 43, has been charged with two counts of aggravated manslaughter and vehicular homicide in the July 24 crash that killed Maria Pleitez (pictured below at center) and her daughter Dayanara Cortes, age 11. … Described by the US Department of Homeland Security officials as an 'illegal alien,' he was briefly detained by US Customs and Immigration Enforcement before being returned to the Ocean County Jail. It was far from the first time in recent months that police say Luna-Perez was driving drunk and recklessly … In both cases, he had court dates at Red Bank Municipal Court several weeks after his arrest. And in both cases, instead of having a trial or hearings in which he could have had his license suspended or been ordered to install an ignition interlock device on his car, the case was put on hold, according to both the Red Bank Municipal Court administrator and municipal prosecutor … John Hogan, a defense attorney with the firm Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer, called it a 'massive backlog' that has turned into a years-long legal morass for victims, defendants, and municipal courts around the state.' LIVIN' ON THE RIVER EDGE — 'Ex-North Bergen housing ED used $20k in gov't funds for vendors to work on his home,' by Hudson County View's John Heinis: 'Former North Bergen Housing Authority Executive Director Gerald Sanzari used over $20,000 in government funds to pay vendors to do work on his home. In November 2024, the Township of North Bergen referred this matter to the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office for review. This was roughly two months after Sanzari, a former deputy police chief, resigned 'due to personal health reasons,' as HCV first reported. He was replaced by Assemblyman Julio Marenco (D-33). The investigation found that on various dates between January 2022 and June 2024, the defendant utilized city vendors to perform contract work at his private residence.' THE MICHAEL J. FOX IN THE HENHOUSE — 'Family ties may block Newark board members from key vote on Superintendent Roger León's contract,' by Chalkbeat's Jessie Gómez: 'Three Newark school board members have relatives who work for the school district, connections that could prevent them from weighing in on a proposed extension of Superintendent Roger León's contract. Board President Hasani Council and members Kanileah Anderson and Louis Maisonave Jr. have more than one family member working for the district, according to this year's state personal and relative disclosure records. Under the Newark Board of Education's nepotism policy, members with a relative working in the district may not participate in matters concerning the superintendent's contract, including evaluations and contract discussions. Those board members must also exclude themselves from closed session discussions about the matter. The state's School Ethics Commission has also issued decisions to school districts that limit a board member's role in superintendent employment matters. The district's policy and state guidance could complicate a proposal to extend León's contract to 2030. Board members Anderson and Maisonave did not respond to Chalkbeat's questions about the perceived conflicts of interest. Council, in an email Monday, said it was 'insulting to suggest that board members are unaware of their responsibility to recuse themselves when personally impacted.'' BOIL TEMPER ADVISORY — 'Frustration grows in Paterson, N.J. on Day 5 of boil water advisory after water main break,' by CBS New York's Christina Fan: 'Officials said a leak preventing water pressure from returning following a massive water main break in Paterson, N.J. is being repaired. Nearly 200,000 people remain under a boil water advisory for a fifth straight day while repairs are being made. Officials said it could be the end of the week, or even next week, before that advisory is lifted.' RENT CONTROL IS SO PASSAI —'City of Passaic moves toward lowering its cap on rent hikes as advocacy groups speak up,' by The Record's Matt Fagan: 'The city continues to grapple with the issue of affordable rent and housing as it tries to make sure owners and landlords also get a reasonable return on their investment. The efforts have not gone unnoticed. At its Aug. 5 meeting, the City Council introduced an ordinance to cap rent increases at 3%, with several exceptions, including for newly constructed units, in front of a large crowd of tenants and advocacy groups. The proposed ordinance also eliminates vacancy 'decontrol,' which has allowed landlords to raise rents without limits when units become vacant, a move that advocates say essentially undermines housing affordability. The proposed ordinance, in part prompted by a proposed referendum by Make the Road New Jersey, an Elizabeth-based advocacy group, would require the city to impose a 3% annual rent cap.' HE STARTED DURING PANGEA, WHEN YOU COULD SWIM TO AFRICA — 'World record oldest ocean lifeguard still patrols 'God's pool' in Bay Head,' by The Asbury Park Press' Jerry Carino: 'One summer Saturday in the 1980s, Ed Kiziukiewicz was serving as captain of the lifeguards at Island Beach State Park when his crew's 8:30 a.m. meeting was interrupted by an urgent development. 'There were 28 people in trouble in a rip current,' Kiziukiewicz recalled. 'So we took care of that.' … Yes, Kiziukiewicz is still lifeguarding four decades later, and that span is just a portion of his tenure. His career as Jersey Shore ocean lifeguard began 1962 — this is summer No. 64 for the 82-year-old, who has been certified by Guinness World Records as the globe's oldest male open-water lifeguard. 'He's such an inspiration to everybody here,' said Hank Handchen, Bay Head's longtime beach superintendent. 'He's got more knowledge than anybody.'' —'The slow-moving fight to clean New Jersey's most contaminated river' —'[Edison]. judge admits drinking before crash, violating rules for judges' —'[Seaside Heights] will close beaches after lifeguards leave following drowning, mayor says' —'Freehold Fire Chief placed on administrative leave after arrest for assault' —'These 3 councilmen want to be mayor of [Paterson]. All are already in legal trouble' —'Icona seeks signatures in favor of plan for luxury hotel on Ocean City Boardwalk' —'In Camden and Atlantic City, health care systems are treating housing as a public health issue' —'Demolition ceremony marks new beginning for Camden's Eastside High School' —'[Mount Laurel] employee accused of sexually assaulting underage girl, investigators say' EVERYTHING ELSE 'SHAKE AND BAKE' NOW AN APPROPRIATE N.J. CANNABIS LOUNGE NAME — 'Big spike in N.J. earthquakes could mean more tremors will hit this year, expert predicts,' by NJ Advance Media's Len Melisurgo: 'New Jersey residents who were rattled by the recent spree of earthquakes in Bergen and Morris counties may have to get accustomed to the sudden shaking and loud booms, according to an earthquake expert who had predicted an uptick in seismic activity several years ago. Alexander Gates, a geology professor at Rutgers University's Newark campus who studies the locations and movements of quake faults, said the Garden State and New York metro region appear to be amid a recurring 40-year cycle of increased seismic activity. Gates said he teamed up with a Rutgers graduate student to research and plot out all the earthquakes that have occurred in the region since 1975, when seismograph technology became more reliable. And in a presentation they gave at a scientific conference in 2020, they predicted our region would likely see an uptick in earthquakes within a few years. That's exactly what ended up happening … Gates believes the huge spike in tremors last year and this year may be part of the cycle he and his fellow researchers had predicted. If that's the case, then there's a good chance New Jersey will see more quakes shaking the ground during the next several months and perhaps next year.' THE SKELETONS MENENDEZ PROMISED? — 'A pig bone. An old soap factory. What else will the Hudson River rail tunnel work dig up?' by The Record's Colleen Wilson: 'There is no telling what could be found during excavation of an old landfill beneath a crumbling parking lot on Manhattan's 12th Avenue — or in the swampy Meadowlands of North Jersey — during the dig to build a new two-track rail tunnel under the Hudson River. Perhaps discarded remains of the Pennsylvania Railroad's historic New York Penn Station will be uncovered. Or tools and artifacts from Indigenous populations of the past. Who knows — maybe they'll find the body of Jimmy Hoffa, the union leader who mysteriously disappeared in 1975 and who, according to urban legend, was buried under the old Giants Stadium in the Meadowlands. So far, none of those things have been unearthed — but some items have been discovered already, and the excavation is just beginning. … So far, none of those things have been unearthed — but some items have been discovered already, and the excavation is just beginning.' GET DOWN PAYMENT ON IT — 'North Jersey home of Kool & The Gang founder hits market for $7.5 million,' by The Record's David Zimmer: 'A Montclair property formerly owned by Dennis 'Dee Tee' Thomas, a founding member of the legendary funk and soul band Kool & the Gang, has been listed for $7.5 million. Listed in August 2025 by Allison Maguire of Brown Harris Stevens, the property at 82-84 Watchung Ave. includes two four-story townhouses designed as a split two-family residence. Thomas purchased the Montclair homes in 1999 for about $375,000, according to county records.'
Politico
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Politico
No bygones yet between Ciattarelli and Spadea
Good Wednesday morning! The Democratic gubernatorial primary got tense, but the fighting was over by June 11. The insults had been hurled. Maybe some of the candidates still aren't fond of each other, but they've kept their insults private. Not so on the Republican side. Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli and his former rival Bill Spadea have still not spoken since Ciattarelli won in a landslide. And Spadea is still on Twitter talking trash. 'They are 20 points down and desperate,' Spadea tweeted, responding to an attack by 'America First Republicans of New Jersey' that accused Spadea of scamming donors by using Trump 's name. (The email solicitation was from a pro-Spadea super PAC that he is no longer officially involved in.) 'Confident, principled leaders don't lie and smear opponents before or after a win. Bad actors.' Ciattarelli's team doesn't look like they're sweating it, especially after handily beating Spadea handily even in what were supposed to be his strongest areas. But Spadea in his concession speech strongly suggested he'd be returning to his radio hosting gig at NJ 101.5, which he called 'the biggest microphone in this state.' I could see Spadea ranting about Ciattarelli during every morning commute potentially costing him some hard right support, which could matter if it's a tight race. But there's at least one sign of Republican rapprochement: Ciattarelli and Spadea's most powerful backer, Ocean County GOP Chair George Gilmore, are at least talking. The two spoke last week, Gilmore told me. 'We all know we have to unite the Republicans to be successful in November and we will work to that end,' he said. FEEDBACK? Reach me at mfriedman@ WHERE'S MURPHY — On Harry Hurley at 10:35 a.m. Listen here. QUOTE OF THE DAY: 'The people of New Jersey deserve a US Attorney that has deep experience with law enforcement, a reputation and an approach that puts partisanship to the side, and who will work to keep our communities safe and impartially pursue justice. In her short tenure as interim US Attorney, she has degraded the office and pursued frivolous and politically motivated prosecutions. It's clear that Alina Habba does not meet the standard to serve the people of New Jersey.' — Sens. Cory Booker and Andy Kim HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Shirley Turner, Avi Schnall, Bob Gordon, Marleina Ubel. Thursday for Bob Auth, Anette Quijano, America, Ed Oatman, Matt Katz, Mike Assad, Geoffrey Borshof, Justin Rodriguez. Saturday for Latham Tiver, Mark Mueller, Kabir Moss, Chris Trimarchi. Sunday for Dale Caldwell, Tim Larsen PROGRAMMING NOTE — New Jersey Playbook will not publish on July 4. I'll be back in your inbox Monday. WHAT TRENTON MADE BUDGET — The budget is done. Here's what the next governor inherits, by POLITICO's Ry Rivard: Gov. Phil Murphy's would-be successors are going to inherit a state in better financial shape than he did but still one that is showing signs of strain. Murphy's final budget, which he signed late Monday night, has a $6.7 billion surplus — which is far larger than the $409 million surplus Murphy was handed when he entered office. But it also has a $1.5 billion structural deficit — meaning the state is spending more than it is taking in — with rising state expenses and federal funding cuts looming. To help keep the surplus high, something Murphy does in part to prepare the state for a rainy day and to appease credit ratings agencies, he agreed to a series of nips and tucks that have caused the coalition of unions and environmental groups that helped elect him to splinter. … On Tuesday, just 12 hours after Murphy signed the state budget, the U.S. Senate passed a megabill that includes significant but unknown cuts to Medicaid, though not all changes take effect immediately. So far, though, no specific conversations have taken place regarding coming back into session, a Murphy administration official said.' —'New Jersey gun-rights advocates target racial disparities in carry permit denials,' by New Jersey Monitor's Dana DiFilippo: 'Paterson police denied Mahmoud 'Mo' Ramadan's request for a gun carry permit after he hounded them — and the mayor — about their poky pace in processing his application. Sharon Palombi got denied in South Toms River because of her past police involvement as a crime victim. And Leonard Mirabal's extensive — but non-criminal — driving infractions prompted Carlstadt cops to refuse his carry request. New Jersey law … allows officers to make subjective judgments and reject applicants they deem lack 'the essential character of temperament necessary to be entrusted with a firearm.' Consequently, a growing, disgruntled group of applicants — including Ramadan, Palombi, and Mirabal — have successfully challenged denials, which two recent studies found have disproportionately impacted people of color in New Jersey. Now, a Republican state lawmaker wants police to answer to the Legislature and the public on the issue, by mandating monthly reporting on permit denials.' A NIGHTMARE ON SESAME STREET — 'New Jersey reduces funding for NJ PBS,' by Current's Julian Wyllie: 'The fiscal year 2026 New Jersey state budget signed by Gov. Phil Murphy Monday reduces funding for NJ PBS, the state network operated by the WNET Group in New York. The budget appropriates $250,000 to NJ PBS, a decline from the $1 million authorized the previous year. According to NJ PBS' fiscal year 2024 990 form, the most recent available, the station had a $56,000 deficit and brought in nearly $11.5 million in revenue. 'We appreciate any allocation with which the state provides us and will be building out our FY26 plans accordingly,' NJ PBS said in a statement provided to Current. NJ PBS has faced financial difficulties over the past 18 months. Last year, the WNET Group laid off employees and restructured staff, affecting 34 positions.' —'NJ's next governor could inherit school segregation dispute' —Snowflack: 'Newspapers strike out on legal ads' —'Advocates condemn bill to remove state police from attorney general's office' —'NJ advocates want stronger state oversight, better investigations of group homes' —'Poll finds New Jerseyans want to prioritize renewable energy development' —'Natalie Hamilton departs Governor's office for FIFA World Cup post' —'Tyler Jones is Murphy's new press secretary' —'Gubernatorial candidates to speak at NJ's largest manufacturing event' TRUMP ERA MEGA DEATH — 'NJ's new budget may get walloped as US Senate passes Trump's tax bill,' by NJ Spotlight News' Benjamin J. Hulac and Lilo Stainton: 'Portions of the bill that were public before passage show the bill cuts more than $1 trillion from Medicaid, the national insurance system for the poor and disabled, and $285 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, the national food aid program. 'Our state is just not positioned to be able to fill the gaps that we're seeing,'Sen. Andy Kim (D-NJ) said in an interview with NJ Spotlight News. 'We already see the challenge our New Jersey budget is in this year, and we're just not in a position to offset.' After passage, Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) said the bill will hit rural and big-city hospitals, like University Hospital Newark, a Level 1 trauma center, the sort of facility that sees high volumes of patients. 'I've already talked to their administrators,' Booker said in an interview with NJ Spotlight News. 'This is a hatchet to their financial security.' In New Jersey, Medicaid alone comprises more than 40% of the state's proposed spending for the coming fiscal year.' DID ANYONE REALLY THINK HE WOULD VOTE AGAINST IT? — @PeterSullivan4: 'Van Drew, who has long raised concerns with Medicaid cuts, says he is leaning YES Says provider tax cuts don't take effect til 2028 which makes him feel better, says maybe they could be delayed later on too' HOUSE, M.D. — Medical doctor launches Democratic campaign to take on Kean, by POLITICO's Matt Friedman: Tina Shah, a medical doctor who worked in the Biden and Obama administrations, is joining a crowded field of Democrats seeking to run against two-term Republican Tom Kean Jr. in the 7th Congressional District. Shah announced her candidacy Monday, becoming the fifth declared Democrat in this Central Jersey district that's expected to be one of New Jersey's most competitive next year. As the only doctor in, Shah has a unique perspective to address cuts to Medicaid in the megabill working its way through Congress. 'We just had Tom Kean Jr. cast a deciding vote to cut Medicaid. And now it's coming back and he's likely to do it again,' Shah said. 'I take care of Medicaid patients every day that I'm practicing. And what I see is that having Medicaid helps them actually get back to health, get out of the hospital and live their lives.' LOCAL BUCH WILD — 'Lakewood's $6 million school board attorney is out pending future court ruling,' by The Asbury Park Press' Joe Strupp: 'Michael Inzelbuch is no longer Lakewood Board of Education attorney. At least for now. An administrative law judge on Tuesday, July 1, ruled that Inzelbuch cannot remain in his $475-per hour post until a legal dispute over his contract is settled, which could take several months. That dispute arose in March when State Monitor Louise Davis blocked the school board from rehiring Inzelbuch for another year after his previous contract expired on June 30, 2025 … In the meantime, the school board had requested a stay in the matter so that Inzelbuch could remain on the job until a final decision of the appeal is made, according to court documents. The request for a stay went before Administrative Law Judge Susan Scarola on Monday, June 30. Scarola issued a ruling late Tuesday that denied the motion and effectively removed Inzelbuch from the board attorney post until the original appeal of the state monitor denial of the new contract is decided … Scarola also stated that the school board was 'not likely to succeed on the merits of its claim that the state monitor exceeded her authority' when she denied the original contract approval.' ALWAYS BET ON BLAT — 'Showboat owner Bart Blatstein pays $500K debt to contractor after arrest warrant issued,' by The Press of Atlantic City's Wayne Parry: 'Developer Bart Blatstein paid a debt to an electrical company that did work on the Showboat parking garage and other locations — but only after the contractor got an arrest warrant threatening to bring him before a judge. Blatstein, who owns the Showboat Resort Atlantic City, owed Buena-based Lee-Way Electrical more than $532,000 for work done at the Showboat and the property at 801 Boardwalk that includes the Island Waterpark. But he had fallen behind on mutually agreed-upon payments. After numerous attempts to collect the debt, including the issuance of a court order in March requiring Blatstein and his companies to pay the contractor, Lee-Way obtained an arrest warrant last week for the developer. It did not seek to incarcerate him, but rather to bring him before a judge. ... 'It was an oversight that was rectified immediately,' he said. 'It's done. There's no further action.' Asked whether he or his companies were experiencing financial difficulties, Blatstein replied, 'None whatsoever. We're having our best year.' He declined further comment.' AFFORDABLE CLOWNING OBLIGATIONS — 'Court ruling could bring affordable housing to old Middletown home of Circus liquor store,' by The Asbury Park Press' Michael Diamond: 'A developer is a step closer to building affordable housing on the former site of the Circus Liquors store in Middletown after a New Jersey appeals court upheld a decision that stopped the town from taking control of the property to build a commercial development instead … While Middletown officials said they would appeal the decision to the state Supreme Court, housing advocates said the ruling was a message for towns to comply with the state's housing obligations that are spelled out for them in the Mount Laurel doctrine. … The ruling is the latest step in the development of a 52-acre property on Route 35 that was home to Circus Wine, Beers & Spirits — and the iconic Calico clown sign that continues to loom over it.' HACKENSACKED —'Council slate that swept Hackensack's May election sworn in, selects new mayor,' by The Record's Megan Burrow: 'Five new council members were sworn in July 1, ushering in a new era for the city after sweeping the May City Council election with a decisive victory to oust a slate of incumbents. Caseen Gaines, a teacher at Hackensack High School and president of the Hackensack Education Association, who was the top vote-getter in the election with 2,821 votes, was chosen as mayor, replacing three-term Mayor John Labrosse, who lost his reelection bid.' —'N.J. Education Board approves acting Camden schools superintendent' —'Crowley named Ocean City Council president' —'Clinton Township rejects ExxonMobil proposal to build hundreds of affordable housing units' EVERYTHING ELSE RUTGERS — 'The 5 biggest perks in new Rutgers president's record-breaking contract,' by NJ Advance Media's Liz Rosenberg: 'Rutgers University's new president will earn $1.45 million in salary and bonuses over the next year under a record-setting compensation package that also includes a historic house, a car and driver, and other perks that come with leading the state university. William F. Tate IV — who started working for Rutgers on Tuesday — will make $1.1 million in base salary his first year, according to his contract. … Tate will be eligible for a performance bonus each year. In his first year on the job, he will receive the maximum bonus, taking home $352,000 on top of his base salary, according to his contract. ... If Tate stays at Rutgers for five years, he will receive an additional $1.875 million in deferred compensation on top of his regular salary and bonuses, according to his contract. … Though Tate's pay is the highest-ever at the state university, he will not be the highest-paid person at Rutgers. That honor usually goes to coaches, including head football coach Greg Schiano, who earned $6.25 million last year.' OF ALL THE PLACES TO BRANDISH A KNIFE… — 'Wayne man charged with brandishing knife, threatening employees at Outback Steakhouse,' by The Record's Kyle Morel: 'A Wayne man was arrested after allegedly making death threats and holding a knife to employees at a restaurant in the township, authorities said. Khalil Bakho, 60, is facing charges of harassment, disorderly conduct, terroristic threats, aggravated assault and weapons offenses, according to a press release from the Wayne Police Department. The arrest stemmed from an incident at Outback Steakhouse on June 27.' DO NOT DRIVE TO THE PA FIREWORKS STORE RIGHT ACROSS THE BRIDGE FROM TRENTON TO BUY THE GOOD STUFF — 'What fireworks are legal in NJ for July 4th? 'Anything that explodes' is a no-no,' by The Daily Record's William Westhoven: 'Fireworks on the Fourth are a time-honored American tradition, celebrating our nation's independence with the 'rockets' red glare, bombs bursting in air' embedded in our national anthem. Many New Jersey towns sponsor their own shows, but the Garden State also among the tightest regulations regarding the sale and use of fireworks by residents looking to light up their own neighborhoods. A public service announcement released by the Morris County Sheriff's Department sums up the state guidelines by identifying illegal fireworks as 'anything that explodes.' In short, if you can blow it up, don't.' —'Bus crash injures 12, shuts down N.Y. bus terminal during morning rush' —'New Jersey Farm Bureau names Liz Thompson as executive director' —'Mission to find a match: NJ man searches for donor with flyers at Jersey Shore' —'Atlantic County man has a handle(bar) on beard and mustache competition: Must Win'
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump-backed Jack Ciattarelli captures GOP nomination for New Jersey governor
HOLMDEL, N.J. - The candidate President Donald Trump recently endorsed in New Jersey has won the state's Republican gubernatorial primary, in the 2025 race to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy. The Associated Press projects that Jack Ciattarelli, a former GOP state lawmaker who is making his third bid for New Jersey governor, will capture the Republican nomination, topping four rivals in Tuesday's primary in a race that for months had been a battle for Trump's support. Among those Cittarelli defeated were former businessman and popular conservative talk radio host Bill Spadea and state Sen. Jon Bramnick, a lawyer who served for a decade as state Assembly GOP leader. Ciattarelli and Spadea spent months trading fire over which of them was a bigger Trump supporter. Trump Not On The Ballot But Front-and-center In New Jersey Primary But last month the president endorsed Cittarelli, who ran unsuccessfully for the GOP nomination in 2017, but four years later he captured the nomination and overperformed in the general election, coming close to ousting Murphy. Read On The Fox News App "I'm asking you to get out and vote for a true champion for the people of your state – Jack Ciattarelli. He's been a friend of mine, and he's been a real success story," Trump told supporters a week ago, as he dialed into a tele-rally on the eve of the kick-off of early voting in New Jersey. New Jersey Primary Early Test Of Trump's Second Term As President Trump's grip over the GOP is stronger than ever following his convincing White House re-election victory last November, and Cittarrelli, in a Fox News Digtal interview last week, said the president's endorsement was "a really big deal" and added "the president's doing very, very well in New Jersey." Spadea said that not landing Trump's endorsement "was certainly disappointing." "I mean, we made no bones about this. We absolutely wanted the president's endorsement. Unfortunately, the president endorsed a poll and not a plan," Spadea told Fox News Digital last week. "I have been a supporter of President Trump since he came down the escalator," as he referenced Trump's announcement in 2015 of his first presidential campaign. "There is no question that I am the common-sense conservative. I am the actual Republican in this primary," Spadea claimed. And Spadea questioned Ciattarelli's support for Trump, arguing that his rival "has disrespected him [Trump] for the better part of the last eight years…We thought that that endorsement would have been better served with me." Four years ago, after he won the GOP gubernatorial nomination, Ciattarelli, when asked if he was seeking the then-former president's endorsement, told Fox News Digital "there's only one endorsement I seek, and that's the endorsement of the voters of New Jersey. That's the only one that matters." What Jack Ciattarelli Told Fox News Digital Fast-forward to 2025, and Ciattarelli emphasized that "people really appreciate what he [Trump] is doing for New Jerseyans. He's put a temporary hold on the wind farms off the Jersey Shore. He's beating up on the New York Democrats over congestion pricing. He supports a quadrupling of the SALT [state and local tax] deduction on our federal tax returns. Those are big deals to New Jersey, and that's why he's got so much great support here. And I'm honored to have his endorsement." Asked why Trump endorsed him rather than Spadea, Ciattarelli said that "the president wants to win. He knows that I provide the best opportunity to win in November." "He knows we're going to raise the necessary money. We've raised more money than the other five Republican gubernatorial candidates combined," added Ciattarelli, a certified public accountant who started a medical publishing company before getting into politics. Ciattarelli's fundraising allowed him to dominate the GOP primary ad wars. The Democratic Governors Association, pointing to the rush to embrace Trump by the top two candidates, long described the 2025 Republican showdown as a "MAGA battle" and argued that there's "extremism in the GOP primary." While New Jersey has long leaned toward the Democrats, Republicans have had success in gubernatorial elections. "It's not a blue state when it comes to governor races, Republicans have won six of the last 11. That's better than 50%," Ciattarelli said. Trump, who for years has spent summer weekends at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, held a very large campaign rally last year in Wildwood, N.J. And he improved from a 16-point loss in the state in the 2020 election to a 6-point deficit last November. Ciattarelli, looking ahead to the general election campaign, said he's "really looking forward" to Trump's "active participation…I think New Jerseyans are anxious to have him on the campaign trail with me and help deliver a win for us in November."Original article source: Trump-backed Jack Ciattarelli captures GOP nomination for New Jersey governor
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Thoughts on the final debate between three Republicans running for governor
The three front-runners for the GOP nomination for governor backed smaller budgets, the death penalty, and harsher penalties for juvenile partygoers. (Illustration by Alex Cochran for New Jersey Monitor) The final GOP debate of the gubernatorial primary season was Tuesday night in Newark, with the three front-runners — state Sen. Jon Bramnick, former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, and radio talk show host Bill Spadea — on the stage. Here are my thoughts, in no particular order: The audience was rowdy, much more so than the larger crowd that attended the five-person Democratic debate on Sunday. Not sure if audience members met up to pregame or whether Republican voters are just more rambunctious, but it sure got loud. The Dem debate was light on one-on-one attacks. Ciattarelli and Spadea did not hold back, with Ciattarelli hitting Spadea for never winning elective office and Spadea attacking both his chief rivals for being insiders. Bramnick, who got in a few jabs of his own, often appeared like a peacemaking dad to two brawling children. 'Let's stay with the substance, and in the general election none of this is going to help us. Let's concentrate on the Democratic policies that have put our state in a situation where we're unaffordable, energy costs are off the charts, and of course we're closing prisons as opposed to putting people in prisons,' he said. President Trump loomed large, naturally, especially his endorsement of Ciattarelli over Spadea, who got this issue out of the way from the start, saying in his opening statement, 'The president endorsed a poll, a poll that was conducted and paid for by Jack's campaign. The president did not endorse a plan. The president did not endorse a set of principles.' Bramnick, who has been a Trump critic for years, was not in the running for the president's nod, which he noted with a quip: 'I did not get the endorsement from Donald Trump. I waited up late at night — no phone call.' Thoughts on New Jersey Democrats' long, long debate night All three candidates came out in favor of restoring the death penalty, which was abolished in 2007, during a discussion of the Newark 14-year-old accused of killing Newark Police Sgt. Joseph Azcona in March. After Ciattarelli said he would make sure the teen gets prosecuted as an adult, Spadea said he supports the death penalty for all cop killers. Ciattarelli said he supports the death penalty for serial killers, mass murderers, and terrorists. Bramnick, who voted against getting rid of capital punishment when he was in the Assembly, said it should be in place for certain instances, like for people who murder and rape children. 'So I have a voting record on that, not a radio record,' he said, taking a swipe at Spadea. Bramnick doesn't think much of Democratic governor hopeful Rep. Josh Gottheimer's pledge to cut property taxes by 15%. 'I'm going to put Josh on my tax reduction team,' Bramnick said. 'He can serve with Houdini and other people who make stuff up, right? Look, Josh keeps saying that and I've been serving the Legislature and as the leader for 10 years — he's talking nuts.' Boy, Republicans do not like pronouns. Spadea and Ciattarelli mentioned pronouns four times last night, with Ciattarelli saying about Democrats, 'They worry about pronouns, I worry about property taxes' (two pronouns in that sentence, by the way) and Spadea saying several times that schools and colleges are too focused on 'pronouns and propaganda.' All three candidates came out strongly in favor of punishing juveniles who show up in large masses on boardwalks because of pop-up parties advertised on social media. Local authorities have griped that they can't handle so many teens hanging out in one place at a time, and Spadea said kids should be punished. 'There are local laws that are being violated in terms of the number of people that are gathering outside. We've handcuffed our police officers so, A, I believe we need to start charging 14-year-olds as adults,' he said. A wild response to large mobs of kids showing up and hanging out at beaches and boardwalks, some of our state's most popular tourist destinations. Ciattarelli pledged, 'We're not going to have flash mobs on our Jersey Shore when I'm governor.' Bramnick, meanwhile, said, 'I would give no leeway whatsoever to rioting anywhere, especially on the sacred ground of the Jersey Shore.' Ah, yes, sacred. Exactly the word I think of when I'm stepping over someone puking on the boardwalk outside Martell's on a Friday night in July. Gov. Phil Murphy's budget proposal for the fiscal year that begins July 1 is $58.1 billion. The Republican candidates to succeed Murphy have all said they think there's too much spending now — but how much do they think a state budget should be? Moderator David Wildstein of New Jersey Globe asked this question, and Bramnick sorta answered by saying he'd get rid of pork projects that he said have added $5 billion to the budget over the last seven years, while Spadea said the budget should be about $46 billion. Ciattarelli noted that budgets under Murphy's predecessors included billions less in spending, though he did not specify what he thought the budget should be. 'Jack's going to have to check with his lobbyist before he'll give you a specific answer on what he'll actually cut,' Spadea said. There are two more candidates who will be on the June 10 GOP primary ballot: Burlington County contractor Justin Barbera and former Englewood Cliffs Mayor Mario Kranjac. Neither of them raised enough money to receive matching funds from the state for their campaign, so they were barred from appearing at last night's debate. Kranjac held counter-programming in the form of a tele-town hall with Clinton-era GOP hero Newt Gingrich. Barbera showed up last night and was escorted out by police after he verbally tussled with debate organizers (he wanted to be featured in the post-debate press conference). 'I deserve to be up there,' he said. 'You're what's wrong with this state.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
After losing Trump endorsement, GOP governor hopeful carries on
Republican governor hopefuls Jack Ciattarelli, left, and Bill Spadea have been fighting for the support of Donald Trump's voters. (Ciattarelli photo by Amanda Burns/Spadea photo by Hal Brown) Bill Spadea, the Republican former radio host running to become New Jersey's next governor, said learning that he would not be getting President Donald Trump's endorsement was like a punch to the gut. Spadea was walking into a campaign event Monday night when he received a phone call from Bill Stepien, who ran Trump's 2020 reelection campaign, telling him Trump would be endorsing Spadea's chief rival in the GOP primary, Jack Ciattarelli. Spadea said he hadn't seen that coming. But, he said, by the next morning, he woke up to hundreds of texts of support, dozens of new volunteers signed up, and a flood of new, low-dollar donations. 'It exposed this incredible groundswell, thousands of people reaching out. I don't know that I would have heard from all those people if they didn't feel the need to say, 'Wait a minute. This is ridiculous — you're the Trump guy.' So I'm very pleased about that,' Spadea said Thursday following a lunch event with the Women's Republican Club Mantoloking-Bay Head. Spadea and Ciattarelli, a former state assemblyman who has twice before sought the governor's seat, have spent months dueling for the support of Trump and the president's supporters. Trump on Monday posted his endorsement of Ciattarelli on social media, calling Ciattarelli 'a terrific America First candidate.' Ciattarelli called himself 'truly humbled and honored' to receive Trump's endorsement. Speaking to voters at Charlie's of Bay Head Thursday, Spadea compared Trump's endorsement of Ciattarelli to a priest at a funeral giving remarks for someone they didn't know. He said Trump endorsed 'a poll, not a person.' Several polls have shown for much of the race that Ciattarelli is the clear front-runner in the five-man GOP primary. An Emerson College Polling/PIX11/The Hill poll released Thursday puts Ciattarelli at 44% and Spadea in second place at 18%. The poll says 23% of respondents were undecided. 'The guys around the president want it easy. They're like, 'Oh, Mr. President, look at this, he's 20 points down. He can't win,'' Spadea said. 'Really? Because I remember 2016, when Hillary Clinton had a 98% chance of becoming the president.' Asked to comment, Ciattarelli campaign strategist Chris Russell called Spadea's remarks 'just more BS.' 'The fact of the matter is that Spadea is losing this race by a landslide because of his harsh attacks on President Trump and his lying smears against Jack Ciattarelli. If Spadea thinks it's a good idea to double down on that failed strategy, more power to him. Jack is focused on uniting the party and working with President Trump to fix our state,' Russell said. Ciattarelli was the Republican nominee for governor in 2021, losing to Gov. Phil Murphy in a close race. Less than four weeks remain until June 10, when voters will decide who wins the Democratic and Republican nominations for governor in the fall. Murphy, a Democrat, will leave office in January and is barred from seeking a third consecutive term. In addition to the five-man GOP race to succeed him, six Democrats are vying for their party's nomination. While Spadea said Thursday he's disappointed he wasn't endorsed by Trump, he believes it'll hurt Ciattarelli in the long run. He cited candidates with Trump's endorsement who lost their elections, including Christine Serrano Glassner in last year's U.S. Senate primary in New Jersey. Candidates need to have a 'certain character, strength, principles in order to capitalize on making that endorsement something,' Spadea said. 'Our plan aligns with his plan, so it would have been a real match,' he said. 'So, it would've helped me. It's not going to help Jack the way he thinks.' SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
