By Matt Friedman

Presented by Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital

Good Tuesday morning!

First off, some breaking news: George Helmy will leave his post as Gov. Phil Murphy’s staff at the end of the month. Helmy, who started with Murphy at 2019, is credited with smoothing out what had been a very tense relationship between the governor and the Democratic-run Legislature. More on that below.

In other news, Mendham Borough Mayor Christine Serrano Glassner yesterday announced her campaign for U.S. Senate.

If U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez is on the ticket, this has the potential to be a competitive race, even in a state that hasn’t voted for a Republican U.S. Senator since 1972. Menendez is under federal criminal investigation for the third time in as many decade, and I doubt we’ve heard the last of that.

But if there’s one thing that trumps the stench of potential corruption in New Jersey, it’s Trump. Serrano Glassner has plenty of ties to the former president, and there’s a good chance she’ll be sharing a ballot with him if she’s the nominee. Aside from having been a Trump delegate in 2016, she’s married to and runs a business with Trump political operative Michael Glassner, who didn’t abandon Trump after Jan. 6 and is now reportedly heading up the Trump legal defense fund effort

I’m not claiming that this is groundbreaking political analysis, but the important thing is that it’s correct. But for the anti-Trump backlash in 2018, do you really think Menendez would have beaten Republican Bob Hugin by 11 points, just a year after surviving a corruption trial thanks to a deadlocked jury?

Former State Treasurer Andrew Sidamon-Eristoff recently told New Jersey Globe that he’s considering seeking the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate as well. And Menendez would have a hard time tarring Sidamon-Eristoff with the Trump brush, considering his anti-Trump credentials. The problem for him, of course, would be winning the approval of primary voters who thoroughly back Trump, even in New Jersey.

Read more about Serrano Glassner’s announcement here. 

TIPS? FEEDBACK? Email me at [email protected].

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Prince William has touched down in New York's Newark Airport” — The Express, a publication from, uh, France.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY —  Maggie Moran, Chris Russell, Victoria St. Martin

WHERE’S MURPHY? In Newark at noon for a pedestrian bridge groundbreaking ceremony

A message from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital:

We at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital are deeply disappointed with United Steel Workers 4-200's extreme action to strike. No one benefits from the strike, least of all our nurses. The union should consider the impact it is having on them and their families. Multiple attempts to prevent the strike were rejected, including accepting the union's demands and offering arbitration. RWJUH is already among the highest-staffed hospitals in the state, and our nurses are currently the highest-paid in New Jersey.

NJ GOVERNMENT TO BE HELMYLESS — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy's longtime chief of staff Helmy to leave this month, by POLITICO's Matt Friedman: George Helmy, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy’s longtime chief of staff, is leaving his influential post at the end of the month, according to the governor. “The news, with a heavy heart, is that … George Helmy is at long last moving on,” Murphy said in a brief phone interview. Helmy, whose role has made him one of the state’s most powerful unelected political insiders, took on the role in February 2019 after serving as state director and deputy New Jersey chief of staff for Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and, before that, as an aide to the late Sen. Frank Lautenberg. He left his job in the Murphy administration to work on the governor’s reelection campaign for a few weeks in 2021. When Helmy, a Jersey City native, became chief of staff, the relationship between the governor and the Democratic-led Legislature was at a low point. ... Helmy is frequently credited with smoothing out the relationship between the two branches of government. According to a report, Helmy is the longest-serving gubernatorial chief of staff in state history.

ROE IS ME — “Why abortion is a key issue for Democrats in NJ's 2023 legislative election,” by The Record’s Charles Stile: “The attack ad flooding social media feeds and cable TV in parts of Central Jersey in recent weeks begins with an ominous roll call of former Jim Crow states that are now hotbeds of MAGA extremism. ‘Florida, Texas, Mississippi, Tennessee, North Carolina. Do we really want the culture wars that are tearing other states apart here in New Jersey?’ the narrator intones. And then it takes aim at its central target, Mike Pappas, an anti-abortion Republican making his second run for the state Senate in the 16th Legislative District. Pappas, the Bridgewater Township administrator, ‘wants to ban abortion — even in cases of rape and incest — and deny access to birth control,’ the ad says. … The early, multi-pronged attack on Pappas and his Assembly running mates signals the Democratic Party's desire to make abortion and reproductive rights defining issues this November, when all 120 seats in the Legislature are on New Jersey's ballots. The strategy comes more than a year after questions about reproductive rights in the Garden State were put to rest when the Legislature enshrined the right to an abortion in New Jersey statute … Most Assembly Republicans either voted against or abstained on legislation that barred New Jersey from extraditing people who sought abortions in New Jersey back to their home states with strict abortion laws.”

FAKE PLASTIC CHERRY TREES — “N.J. Revolutionary War site could get covered with artificial turf as controversial plan moves forward,” by NJ Advance Media’s Jackie Roman: “The village council in Ridgewood is proceeding with plans to install an artificial turf field on a historic Bergen County property — which has links to Gen. George Washington and the Revolutionary War — despite vocal opposition from some residents. The council voted 3-2 on Wednesday to approve a plan to build a high school varsity-sized artificial turf field on the Schedler property. … The Schedler property is a unique parcel of land that was used by George Washington during the Revolutionary War. … The vote to move forward with the artificial turf plan came after more than a dozen residents spoke out at the meeting about the Schedler property’s historic significance. Many speakers also raised concerns about the environmental, health and safety costs of ripping out natural grass and replacing it with artificial turf.”

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A message from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital:

MIKIE SHERRILL — “U.S. must act swiftly to counter China’s economic aggression, N.J. congresswoman says,” by NJ Advance Media’s Derek Hall: “Rep. Mikie Sherrill on Monday announced a new initiative aimed at strengthening America’s national security and economic competitiveness with China. Sherrill, D-11th Dist., joined New Jersey business leaders and state lawmakers at Thomas Edison State University in Trenton, to introduce the first pillar of her ‘American Jobs and Competition’ plan: a call to action on the Chinese Communist Party’s “Made in China 2025″ agenda. ‘For too long, policymakers haven’t given the Chinese Communist Party’s ‘Made in China 2025′ plan the attention or urgency it deserves — and that ends today,” Sherrill said in a statement.’ … The resolution Sherrill unveiled Monday details the Made in China 2025 plan and outlines what U.S. leaders see as the Chinese Communist Party’s unfair trade practices, economic espionage and other malignant activities against American businesses.”

I WOULD’VE THOUGHT SHERRILL OPPOSED LETTING A CHAIRMAN HAVE DICTATORIAL POWER  — “Sherrill doesn’t touch question on abolishing lines,” by New Jersey Globe’s Ricky Suta: “The New Jersey Globe asked Sherrill, a potential candidate for the 2025 Democratic gubernatorial nomination, about her position on legislation sponsored by State Sen. Shirley Turner (D-Lawrence) abolishing county lines during her visit to Turner’s district on Monday. ‘I haven’t seen that legislation, but what we’ve been working on at the federal level is increasing voter access,’ the three-term lawmaker said. ‘I know our lieutenant governor, for example, has been critical in expanding access – I think we’re about to start opening up mail-in ballots, in about a week here. Each year seems to create greater voter access whether it’s opening polls and polling places early or expanding the vote by mail access, so I’ve been very much in favor of expanding access.’”

—“Judge dismisses Mehta’s defamation lawsuit against Singh” 

—“Pallone, House Energy & Commerce Dems launch inquiry into anti-abortion laws”

A message from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital:

We at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital are deeply disappointed with United Steel Workers 4-200's extreme action to strike. No one benefits from the strike, least of all our nurses. The union should consider the impact it is having on them and their families. Multiple attempts to prevent the strike were rejected, including accepting the union's demands and offering arbitration. RWJUH is already among the highest-staffed hospitals in the state, and our nurses are currently the highest-paid in New Jersey. Our top priority is our patients. We remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering the highest-quality care in the safest environment. We want to reassure our patients, their families, and our community that we continue to care without interruption. We remain fully open and continue to deliver the high-quality care they deserve.

#FULOP2025 — “Jersey City to settle former CFO’s whistleblower lawsuit for $325K,” by The Jersey Journal’s Ron Zeitlinger: “Jersey City will pay $325,000 to settle a whistleblower lawsuit filed by the city’s former chief financial officer who claimed she was fired in 2020 for refusing to falsify financial statements related to the municipal budget. The settlement with Lubna Muneer, who was fired less than one year into her four-year contract, is expected to be approved Wednesday night at the city council meeting. … In a 10-page lawsuit filed four months after her termination in February 2020, Muneer said she was fired by Business Administrator John Metro after she refused to file a falsified annual financial statement for the state Division of Local Government Services. … At the time of Muneer’s firing, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop called Muneer is a disgruntled employee making false accusations after she was terminated. ‘The facts are that she was terminated for poor performance that was documented over a long period of time,’ Fulop said in an interview with The Jersey Journal. ‘At no point did she make any accusations of any wrongdoing while she worked here.’”

JERSEY CITY: KEEP IT YOURS  — “Journal Square is rising at the expense of locals, councilman says. He has a plan to help them stay,” by The Jersey Journal’s Mark Koosau: “Journal Square has become a hotbed for residential development, but the revitalization of the Jersey City neighborhood is coming at the cost of longtime local residents, the area’s councilman said. From numerous high-rises — some reaching as high as 64 stories — to the transformation of the historic Loew’s Jersey theater to a state-of-the-art concert venue to the French Pompidou art museum opening a Jersey City location, there’s countless examples of the area’s rebirth. But the development has put a financial squeeze on residents who’ve called the area home for years, says Councilman Rich Boggiano, who represents the area, and that they’ve been leaving ‘like craz’ due to the rising cost of living. ‘I’ve seen so many of my neighbors leave here; renters that lived here for years and years and years and that just can’t afford to live here anymore,’ Boggiano said. … To help keep longtime residents in Journal Square, Boggiano is introducing legislation that would mandate a minimum of 10% affordable housing in all new major developments in the neighborhood.”

STATE INSTRUCTS SCHOOLS NOT TO INFORM PARENTS IF STUDENTS ACHIEVE NIRVANA — “'Zen Den' part of wellness push at Ocean City schools,” by The Press of Atlantic City’s Bill Barlow: “In a corner of a dimly lit room off the cafeteria of the Ocean City Intermediate School, pillows stacked on pillows create a soft, inviting spot to take a break from a troubling world. That’s the idea behind the “Zen Den,” part of a series of student wellness initiatives at the school, offering students and staff a chance to look after themselves. A few days after the start of the school year, one student was using the facility, ensconced in a soft one-person enclosure known as the canoe, with a staff member in the room. There are weighted blankets and a rocking chair, as well as a small trampoline with a guide bar for students who want to take a more active approach to address their feelings.”

INANE ONE — “Suspect charged with the Sea Isle City assault of Fox 29′s Bob Kelly appears in court,” by The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Amy S. Rosenberg: “The 21-year-old accused of punching Fox 29′s Bob Kelly in the face at a Sea Isle City pub July 30 whistled on his way out of the courthouse Monday, accompanied by his mother, a retired Sea Isle police captain, and father, a local real estate agent. Patrick Iannone was instructed to return to court for an arraignment on Oct. 2, at which time his lawyer, John Tumelty, said the case might be resolved. … Iannone admitted to officers he filmed himself pouring beer on Kelly during the event, according to a complaint summons obtained by The Inquirer. When Kelly turned around, Iannone — whom police said appeared to be under the influence — punched the Fox 29 personality so hard he lost consciousness. … According to New Jersey municipal court records, Iannone pleaded guilty to simple assault in an incident at Dead Dog Saloon in Sea Isle City in June.”

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— “CRDA may reject all grocery proposals”

—“Cumberland County Jail officer threatened woman over their secret relationship, jury says” 

—“Middlesex, developer hash out differences on marijuana cultivation facility” 

— “Boston Market restaurants shuttered in New Jersey over unpaid wages are allowed to reopen” 

HELP THEM, RHONDA — “Sea Hear Now review: Fans furious as bad sound, overcrowding plague monster N.J. rock fest,” by NJ Advance Media’s Bobby Olivier: “Sea Hear Now, New Jersey’s largest homegrown rock festival, toed a fine line this weekend, between fan frustration and utter disaster. The two-day fest in Asbury Park, which brought about 30 bands to three stages. … But the sprawling festival certainly lost some luster Saturday and Sunday, as fans complained of overcrowding, inconsistent sound and lack of response to emergency situations. … As the crowd stretched nearly a quarter-mile down the sand, bottlenecking toward the scant few stairway exits was brutal; 20 minutes to walk 100 feet onto the boardwalk as lounging fans with beach blankets battled not to be trampled. … Fans rightfully complained on the Sea Hear Now social media pages, claiming the event was oversold and urging festival organizer C3 Presents — which also operates Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits — to add more exits from the sand. Though the greater gripe Sunday was the sound, which all but ruined main stage sets from Weezer and the Beach Boys.”

101.5 HOST TO EXPLAIN WHY HE WAS IN THE RIGHT — “Parsippany road rage: Police say driver assaulted 76-year-old crossing guard, motorcyclist,” by The Daily Record’s William Westhoven: “A Boonton Township man is facing an aggravated assault charge after an alleged road rage incident on Thursday in Parsippany, during which he reportedly attacked a motorcyclist and a 76-year-old crossing guard who had stopped traffic for students crossing Route 202. The incident allegedly occurred around 3:10 p.m. near the intersection of Littleton Road and Brooklawn Drive in Parsippany. Police responding to the scene for a report of a motor vehicle crash were advised that a motorcyclist stopped to allow children to cross the street when the suspect, John R. Connelly, 36, stopped behind the motorcycle and left his pickup truck. ‘At this time, it was reported that he began to physically assault the motorcycle driver,’ Parsippany Sgt. Brian Conover said in a statement. ‘According to reports, the 76-year-old crossing guard attempted to intervene and was allegedly shoved to the ground by the defendant.’”

— “Boston Market restaurants shuttered in New Jersey over unpaid wages are allowed to reopen”

—“Officials: 6-year-old boy with autism reported missing found unharmed inside a parked vehicle” 

—“Another N.J. hospital reinstates mask policy” 

—“Bergen County woman who lost thumb in pit bull attack settles with animal rescue” 

—“Murder conviction reversed because detectives didn’t honor suspect’s request for lawyer” 

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