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The 2025 Air War: Sweeney Versus Gottheimer

by DinersExplore New JerseyLaw & OrderNorth JerseyPolitics

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When former senate president Steve Sweeney launched his first gubernatorial campaign ad for the 2025 race Wednesday, he came out with a tough-on-crime, blue-collar style message: this Democrat would support law enforcement and protect New Jersey families. It was a clear, simple, if broad message from the southern New Jersey ironworker. He was flanked by Gloucester County Sheriff Carmel Morina who said of Sweeney, “he doesn’t just talk, he gets [bleep] done… he’s cracked down on illegal guns…”

In northern New Jersey, Congressman Josh Gottheimer is running his own campaign ads as he seeks to succeed Phil Murphy. His message style was “very Jersey” – he appeared to be in a diner at a counter, talking about affordability and his mission to cut taxes. His ad also notes that New Jerseyans always hear about politicians wanting to cut taxes, but invites would-be voters to go to his website and see his tax plan. In another short video, he gets directly to the point and says he will cut taxes. “No bull$h!t.”

New Jerseyans on both sides of the aisle, which seems to have an ever-deepening chasm growing between them, may at least agree that they’d want a governor who can “get $h!t done” and don’t want any “bull$h!t.” It’s the language of the people, and Democrats have often been framed by the opposition as being out-of-touch with average folks, hung up on what they perceive to be more abstract issues rather than bread and butter. In short, bull$h!t.

When a convicted felon comes along, and speaks the people’s language about (sometimes bizarre) issues, but nevertheless ones that hold people’s attention, he is rewarded with the highest office in the land. Dems ignore this at their peril. These two Democratic ads do not compare to the national rhetoric being thrown around, as New Jersey politicians still generally adhere to a degree of decorum. But both of these men, one white collar, one blue collar, one northern, one southern, one a national official, one a former state official, are positioning themselves as “no bull$h!t” issues candidates: tackle crime, tackle affordability. Whether red, blue, green, or independent, everyone except those of the wealthiest class can agree that it is challenging to live in New Jersey and that one’s dollar doesn’t go as far as it did. Safe streets invite a stronger economy and better schools, an overall boost that appeals to anyone.

Both ads represent a race for the middle, to show they are safe and serious candidates that can win in November. Sweeney can categorize himself effectively as the working man’s Democrat, and try to win back some of the blue collar workers who defected to the populism of the Trump camp, feeling Democrats did not represent them. (He himself was deposed by a non-union trucker, Sen. Ed Durr, in a spectacular coup, although the seat flipped back to blue.) Further, as senate president, Sweeney can capitalize on his senior, state level experience for the governor’s bid. Gottheimer has a powerful bastion of support in terms of population and (lots of) money, largely in his Bergen base. For years he has championed himself as a bipartisan leader, working across the aisle for practical solutions and being re-elected in a relatively red district. The question for Democratic voters, then, looking for a centrist choice in a crowded field in the upcoming primary, is who is talking a line of bull$h!t and who is not?

 

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Bramnick will not Compete in GOP County Conventions

by Explore New JerseyPolitics

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Bramnick will not compete in GOP County Conventions

 

Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Senator Jon Bramnick notified all Republican county organizations that he will not be competing in county Republican conventions. He released the following statement. 

“The decision to not compete in the county conventions across the state was not taken lightly. The work of the Republican County party leaders, county committee members and volunteers is an important part of the GOP. However, given the decision by other Republican candidates to not participate in the process, I believe the convention process will not accurately represent the true landscape of the primary this year. 

“I still intend to speak with county committee members across the state as well as rank and file Republican voters to encourage them to engage in the primary process. In the 2021 gubernatorial primary less than 24% of registered Republicans cast a ballot. My campaign is focused on building on the enthusiasm in the party to encourage more Republicans to participate in the primary this year.”

 

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Bramnick Calls for more Debates

by Explore New JerseyPolitics

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Republican Gubernatorial candidate State Senator Jon Bramnick today called for additional debates. He released the following statement:

“The first Republican debate was a food fight. Anyone who tuned in to hear about solutions, instead watched petty bickering between my opponents. Republican voters want to know what their Gubernatorial candidate will do to address the problems facing our state and how they will win in November.

With so many issues to discuss I am proposing three more televised or streamed debates, organized, and hosted by a neutral third party before April 19th when vote-by-mail ballots are sent.”

The three additional debates would be in addition to the two Election Law Enforcement Commission sanctioned debates which will likely occur while voters are casting their mail-in ballots. By law, the ELEC sanctioned debates may only be scheduled between April 10th and May 30th.

 

 

 

 

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Government Employee Unions Sue Trump Administration for Shutting Down USAID

by Explore New JerseyHealth & WellnessLaw & OrderPolitics

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Last night, Public Citizen Litigation Group and Democracy Forward filed a lawsuit on behalf of the American Foreign Service Association and American Federation of Government Employees against Donald Trump, Marco Rubio, Scott Bessent, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the State Department, and the Department of Treasury for shutting down USAID, causing a global humanitarian crisis.

As the complaint explains, by imposing stop work orders, freezing funding, putting staff on leave or terminating them entirely, naming Secretary Rubio as Acting Director, and other actions, the Trump Administration has cost thousands of Americans their jobs and threatened U.S. national security interests. And it has led to humanitarian catastrophe: USAID provides life-saving food, medicine, and support to hundreds of thousands of people across the world.

“Dissolving USAID is illegal and unconstitutional. The Administration’s actions will cost lives and threaten the livelihood–and in some cases the physical safety–of thousands of American workers who have dedicated their lives to public service,” said Public Citizen Litigation Group attorney Lauren Bateman. “Without USAID, U.S.-led medical clinics, soup kitchens, refugee assistance programs, and countless other projects cannot operate. Meanwhile, thousands of Americans who support and lead these important initiatives are out of work. This disruption of aid is unfathomably cruel, unnecessary, and against the law.”

“The Trump administration’s attack on USAID is part of a coordinated campaign to undermine the will of Congress and isolate America in the world,” said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. “This will make Americans at home and abroad less safe.”

“The men and women of USAID deserve a government that values and understands their contributions, not one that leaves them high and dry and unable to pursue their important work after a hostile takeover,” said Everett Kelley, AFGE National President. “We will stand up for our members and all USAID workers who deliver aid across the globe and contribute to a safer, healthier world for all Americans.”

“The dismantling of USAID including its Foreign Service members has thrown dedicated public servants—and their families—into chaos and uncertainty. These professionals have spent their careers advancing America’s interests abroad, only to find their livelihoods upended overnight,” said AFSA President Tom Yazdgerdi. “The consequences of this disruption go far beyond individual careers—it weakens U.S. leadership and undermines global stability worldwide. AFSA will continue to defend its members and pursue all options to protect this essential workforce.”

The full complaint is available here.

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Democratic Contenders for Governor Kick Around the Issues at Debate

by Central JerseyExplore New JerseyPoliticsTechnology & Tech

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TRENTON – “Transparency” is a word thrown around a lot when it comes to politics.

And so it was no surprise that one of the questions at Sunday’s Democratic gubernatorial debate focused on the demise of the Star Ledger, which printed its last edition on Sunday. While it will continue online, the disappearance of a “real newspaper,” is bound to impact the news site’s viability.

Curiously, with the exception of Steve Sweeney, most of the other candidates really have not been in office long enough to truly recall what a robust Jersey press corp used to be about.

For the record, others on stage Sunday were Ras Baraka, Steve Fulop, Josh Gottheimer, Mikie Sherrill and Sean Spiller.

“It kills me to see the press gone, pretty much gone,” Sweeney said.

Baraka noted that nationwide, news – through social media – is controlled by “tech magnates,” which was a pretty good observation.

Moving the conversation back to New Jersey, it was noted that the administration of Phil Murphy, a fellow Democrat, of course, has had a pretty awful record in regard to transparency.

Recall that it was Murphy who signed bills weakening the state’s election watchdog agency – ELEC  – and Open Public Records Act.

None of the candidates supported those moves.

Fulop saw some “good” news in recent events. He noted now-Senator Andy Kim’s successful lawsuit last year against the county line, the indictment of George Norcross and the conviction of Bob Menendez.

His point was that there’s hope for the good guys and for “good government.”

State finances remain the top issue.

A student at Rider University, where the debate was held, noted – like many Republicans do – that the state budget has skyrocketed under Murphy. So how are the candidates going to keep that from happening again if elected?

Gottheimer reiterated his plan to reduce income and property taxes. It is on his website.

Spiller talked about overhauling the procurement process.

Fulop said the state budget needs better oversight – noting that it often gets very quickly-approved at the last minute.

Sherrill talked about her success in bringing money back from Washington.

This was a very polite debate, but that comment prompted Sweeney to say:

“Expecting more federal money from this administration is a pipe dream.”

Donald Trump was not in the room – although he has a golf club in Bedminster.

There was general agreement among the candidates that deportations must be based on the constitution and not done en-masse.

Spiller said we can’t lose sight of who we are, as a nation.

Sweeney said that Barack Obama and Joe Biden deported many immigrants. but that they did it with compassion.

Baraka said Trump’s moves are based on “white supremacy and racism.”

Baraka, the Newark mayor, was the most rhetorical, saying at another point in the debate:

“We can’t fight extremism with moderation.” (Was he channelling Barry Goldwater?)

On the issue of transgender rights, most candidates expressed support for athletes.

Sherrill, however, suggested that this issue – a popular one for Republicans – can take time away from more substantive issues like education and reducing costs.

She said Democrats should not take the bait. In fact, she called some of the hoopla around the issue, “bullshit.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Demand Accountability with Immediate Removal of Camden School Board President Wasim Muhammad

by Explore New JerseyPoliticsSouth Jersey

We, the undersigned concerned citizens of Camden, New Jersey, are writing to demand the immediate removal of Camden School Board President Wasim Muhammad. Under his leadership, the Camden School District has failed to meet the educational needs of our children, resulting in a significant decline in the quality of education and a failure to support our teachers and staff.

The role of the school board president is to guide the district toward providing the best possible educational opportunities for Camden’s youth. However, Wasim Muhammad’s tenure has been marked by a lack of accountability, poor decision-making, and a disregard for the voices of students, parents, and educators. His failure to act in the best interests of the Camden community has had a direct negative impact on our students’ success.

We are calling on Vice President N’Namdee Nelson, the City of Camden School District, and all Advisory Board members to take immediate action and remove Wasim Muhammad from his position as School Board President. Our students deserve leadership that prioritizes their education and well-being.

The current state of the Camden School District demands urgent attention, and the removal of Wasim Muhammad is an essential step toward restoring accountability, trust, and the quality of education our children deserve.

We urge the school district to act swiftly in the best interest of Camden’s future and to take the necessary steps to ensure that our children receive the education they need and deserve.

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Legislative Latino Caucus Congratulates Assemblywoman Quijano on Her Appointment as Speaker Pro Tempore

by Explore New JerseyPolitics

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The New Jersey Legislative Latino Caucus released the following statement congratulating Assemblywoman Annette Quijano on being elected to the role of Speaker Pro Tempore of the General Assembly, the first woman and first Latina to hold the position. Assemblywoman Quijano previously served as Majority Conference Leader since 2020.

“Assemblywoman Quijano’s ascension to the role of Speaker Pro Tempore of the General Assembly is a well-deserved recognition of her unwavering dedication to improving the daily lives of all New Jersey residents. She has earned a reputation as a visionary leader and steadfast advocate for working families, women, children, and our most vulnerable communities, championing policies that make our state more inclusive, equitable, and a place where everyone can achieve their dreams.

“Assemblywoman Quijano has made the Latino community proud, driving meaningful change on the issues that impact our households the most. She was the leading force behind the landmark law expanding access to driver’s licenses for all eligible New Jersey residents and fought tirelessly to pass legislation protecting workers from wage theft.

“Her leadership and advocacy continue to pave the way for a stronger, fairer New Jersey, and the Legislative Latino Caucus is proud to fully support her in this new role. We look forward to Assemblywoman Quijano building on her record of success and advancing the Assembly Majority’s legislative priorities.”

 

 

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National Economic Discussions Should Resonate with New Jersey’s Leaders

by BusinessCutting EdgeExplore New JerseyPoliticsTechnology & Tech

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Thomas A BrackenA Message from President & CEO Tom Bracken

As a new presidential administration takes the helm in Washington, the nation finds itself at a pivotal economic juncture. The priorities emerging in federal discussions – supporting innovation and artificial intelligence, lowering taxes for businesses, reducing burdensome regulations, bolstering energy independence and supporting small businesses – should resonate deeply with New Jersey’s leaders. These initiatives are not partisan rallying cries; they are pragmatic solutions to the challenges that hinder economic growth and opportunity in the Garden State.

They are also ones the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce has been talking about for quite a while.

New Jersey’s economy has long been one of contrasts. While we are home to thriving industries, an educated workforce, and a strategic location, we also contend with high taxes, regulatory red tape, and an affordability crisis.

These factors weigh heavily on residents and businesses alike. As the Murphy administration enters its final year and gubernatorial candidates begin outlining their visions, aligning with the economic priorities being discussed in Washington could offer a clear path forward.

Reducing the tax burden is critical. Businesses of all sizes – from family-owned enterprises to major corporations – cite taxes as a key impediment to growth. Extending the 2017 corporate and small business tax cuts, a topic of national discussion, would provide much-needed relief. For New Jersey, where the corporate tax rate ranks among the highest in the nation, this is especially urgent. Lower taxes would incentivize businesses to invest, hire, and expand, fostering a more competitive economic environment.

Equally important is the need to streamline regulations. Entrepreneurs and small business owners, the backbone of our economy, often struggle with bureaucratic hurdles that delay projects and drive up costs. Simplifying these processes – without compromising safety or accountability – would empower innovation and enable businesses to thrive.

Energy policy also demands attention. Discussions in Washington about reducing dependence on foreign energy while protecting the environment offer a blueprint for New Jersey. As a state vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, New Jersey should continue to champion renewable energy initiatives. However, a balanced approach that includes domestic energy production, like natural gas, can provide affordability and stability for businesses and families alike.

The rise of artificial intelligence and technological innovation presents an enormous opportunity. By fostering an ecosystem that supports AI research, development, and application, New Jersey can position itself as a leader in the industries of the future. Investments in education, workforce development, and public-private partnerships will ensure that our state remains competitive in the global economy.

Perhaps most pressing is the need to support small businesses and entrepreneurs. These enterprises are integral to creating jobs and fostering community development. Expanding access to capital, reducing barriers to entry, and offering targeted support programs can ensure their success. Policies that encourage entrepreneurship will make New Jersey a magnet for innovation and opportunity.

Voters sent a clear message in November: they want change. They seek an economy that works for them, one that is more affordable and abundant with opportunities. Addressing these economic priorities is not just good governance – it’s a necessity for ensuring the prosperity of every New Jerseyan.

New Jersey’s leaders have an opportunity to rise to the occasion. By embracing policies that prioritize growth, innovation, and sustainability, we can set the stage for a stronger, more resilient economy. The time to act is now.

Tom

 This message was originally published in ROI-NJ

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Notify Me • New Jersey League of Municipalities • CivicEngag

by Cutting EdgeExplore New JerseyHealth & WellnessLaw & OrderPoliticsTechnology & Tech

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Affordable Housing Affordable housing news. Annual League Conference The largest gathering of municipal officials in the United States, the League’s Annual Conference brings together people for 3 days of networking, education, and new products and solutions. Subscribe to receive Annual Conference information, alerts, and highlights meant to assist in your planning.
View Previous Messages Assessors (AMANJ) Information of interest to members of the Assessors association. Budgeting State and federal budgeting news and updates. Building Officials (NJBOA) Information of interest to members of the Building Officials association. Cannabis Legalization Updates, news, and information on legalizing and regulating cannabis use and possession in New Jersey.
View Previous Messages Careers in Local Government Announcements for upcoming local government career fairs. Community Recreation Society of NJ Information of interest to members of the Community Recreation Society of NJ association. Court Administrators (MCAANJ) Information of interest to members of the Court Administrators association. Electric Vehicles Electrical Inspectors (NJMEIA) Information of interest to members of the Electrical Inspectors association. Emergency Management & Public Health News and information on public health issues, such as COVID-19, and managing emergency situations. Environmental Issues Information that relates to environmental issues impacting local governments. Ethics Topics and information related to ethics for local government officials and staff, and ethics training. Federal Government The latest news from Washington that may impact New Jersey’s municipalities. Finance Officers (GFOANJ) Information of interest to members of the Finance Officers association. Grants Receive updates when new featured grants are posted each month and new items added to the News & Information section of the Grant Resource Center. Health Officers (NJACCHO) Information of interest to members of the Health Officers association. Infrastructure Information, news, and resources related to all things impacting and supporting infrastructure and infrastructure improvements for local governments in New Jersey. Jersey Access Group (JAG) Information of interest to members of the Jersey Access Group’s association. Labor Relations Labor relations issues, including, but not limited to, unit recognition, unfair labor practices, grievance procedures, interest arbitration, and the 2% cap. Land Use & Development Issues News and legislative updates relating to land use and development issues impacting communities of all sizes across New Jersey. Legislative Advocacy News items related to the League’s legislative advocacy. Local Administration & Operations Administrative and operational issues, information, and news for local government. Topics examples include election administration and code enforcement issues, in addition to all other topics related to local government administrative information. Lunch & Learn Events Free educational webinars offered during the lunch-hour, developed by the League’s legislative team, and geared towards the interests of elected officials. Subscribe to receive alerts when new Lunch & Learns are announced. Managers (NJMMA) Information of interest to members of the Managers’ association. Municipal Attorneys Information of interest to members of the Municipal Attorneys’ association. Municipal Clerks (MCANJ) Information of interest to members of the Municipal Clerks’ association. Municipal Engineers (NJSME) Information of interest to members of the Municipal Engineers’ association. Municipal Welfare Association of NJ Information of interest to members of the Municipal Welfare Association of NJ’s association. NJ Fire Prevention and Protection Information of interest to members of the NJ Fire Prevention and Protection association. NJ State Plumbing Inspectors Association Information of interest to members of the NJ State Plumbing Inspectors Association association. OPRA & OPMA Open Public Records Act and Open Public Meetings Act news and information. Pension & Health Benefits New Jersey’s pension and health benefits news and updates as they relate to local government. Planning Officials (NJPO) Information of interest to members of the Planning Officials association. Procurement Procurement and purchasing information and news as it relates to local governments in New Jersey. Prosecutors (NJPO) Information of interest to members of the Prosecutors association. Public Works (APWANJ) Information of interest to members of the Public Works association. Purchasing Agents (GPANJ) Information of interest to members of the Purchasing Agents association. Registrars NJ (RANJ) Information of interest to members of the Registrars association. Shared Services Information and best practices for sharing services and interlocal agreements. Tax Collectors & Treasurers (TCTANJ) Information of interest to members of the Tax Collectors & Treasurers association. Technology News and items of interest to municipal government related to technology and innovation.

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Newark Fish Market Raided by ICE

by BusinessExplore New JerseyLaw & OrderPolitics

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Government

By Jim Pytell, Managing Editor On Jan 24, 2025

U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carried out a federal raid on Newark fish wholesaler Ocean Seafood Depot yesterday. According to reports, eight individuals were questioned. Four women allegedly showed identification, had their fingerprints taken, and were given slips to appear in court next month. Three men allegedly had no documentation and were detained – and a fourth was an American citizen and released.

Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka called the raid an “egregious act in plain violation of the Fourth Amendment, which guarantees ‘the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures.’”

“Newark will not stand by idly while people are being unlawfully terrorized,” Baraka said.

He also added that the agents did not produce a warrant.

ICE Newark said in a statement that: “U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement may encounter US citizens while conducting field work and may request identification to establish an individual’s identity as was the case during a targeted enforcement operation at a worksite today in Newark, New Jersey. This is an active investigation and, per ICE policy, we cannot discuss ongoing investigations.”

The raid comes in the wake of President Donald Trump signing multiple immigration-related executive orders, including declaring a national emergency on the US-Mexico border, designating Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations, and reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” policy for asylum seekers at the US-Mexico border, ending a policy in which asylum seekers were released into the US while their cases were still being considered by immigration courts.

Trump’s emergency declaration — along with designating Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations — clears the way for using the military to help combat illegal immigration.

In a post on X, ICE says it has made 538 arrests and lodged 373 detainers since President Trump took office. Raids were also reportedly carried out in several other states, including cities such as Denver, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Seattle and Miami.

An Axios-Ipsos poll released last week found that 66% of Americans support deporting immigrants who are in the country illegally.

US Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Andy Kim (D-NJ) said they are “deeply concerned” about the news of the raid, and that their offices have reached out to the Department of Homeland Security to “demand answers.”

 “Actions like this one sow fear in all of our communities — and our broken immigration system requires solutions, not fear tactics,” the Senators’ joint statement said.

To access more business news, visit NJB News Now.

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