By Matt Friedman

Presented by Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital

Good Friday morning!

I’m getting the sense that we’re approaching a big development from the investigation of Sen. Bob Menendez. 

There are indications that the federal investigation into the Democratic senator — first disclosed a year ago, but apparently having gone on much longer — is coming to a head. The Wall Street Journal last month reported that prosecutors and Menendez attorneys planned to meet. The article said such meetings typically happen when prosecutors “believe they have developed the evidence they need to bring charges.”

And on Wednesday night, NBC 4 reported that prosecutors are looking into whether developer Fred Daibes gave or arranged for Menendez and his wife to receive gold bars in exchange for a promise of help in Daibes’ criminal case.

I don’t really like to make predictions, but I doubt we’d be seeing these leaks if investigators believed the case “will amount to nothing,” as Menendez said early on.

Considering the black cloud following the senator around, it’s remarkable that his only challenger so far is long-shot newcomer Kyle Jasey. That’s not for want of a bench. There are plenty of Democrats who would jump at the chance to run for Senate. But apparently they don’t want it bad enough to risk alienating Menendez or party bosses who will want a say in who gets the seat.

All indications so far are that Menendez plans to seek reelection. But from everything I’ve gathered, it’s unlikely Democrats will want to risk an otherwise safe seat amid allegations that almost certainly won’t be resolved before Election Day 2024.

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

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “There’s a friend of mine who used to work with me, said ‘We wake up every day trying to eat the ass out of a bear.’ I don’t know what that means, but it’s what we’re doing.” — Gov. Phil Murphy during a Wednesday speech at the NJ Alliance for Action Transportation Conference. (My guess is the phrase his friend used was “bite the ass off a bear.” Assembly Republicans look like they had a lot of fun with it.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY —  Eric DeGesero, Louis Di Paolo, Sara Todisco, Juan Carlos Nordelo, Dan O’Connell, Curtis Romanowski. Saturday for Tom Malinowski, Samantha Minchello, Marlene Kalayilparampil, Ryan Peene, Bruce Springteen. Sunday for Curtis Viebranz.

WHERE’S MURPHY?  In Newark at 7 p.m. for a reception honoring Portugal President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

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.

RETIREES NOW GET BIG SALES TAX BREAKS ON THE BOATS THEY PURCHASE WITH THEIR BOAT CHECKS — “Big retirement payouts for top cops, fire chiefs and school brass cost $76M. Why can’t N.J. stop them?” by NJ Advance Media’s Riley Yates: “The Legislature sought to cap some of those payments in 2010 to reel in a largesse that contributes to the state’s highest property taxes in the nation and peels funding from parks, playgrounds, classrooms and city services. Yet more than a decade later, town halls and school districts across New Jersey continue to regularly cut six-figure checks to top executives like McGill for the generous paid leave they amassed over their tenure … How broad is the expense? Since 2020, 780 of the government’s highest-paid employees have received retirement payouts worth $76.7 million, an investigation by NJ Advance Media found, including police and fire chiefs, school superintendents and principals, and other key local administrators. Those costs reach throughout New Jersey, from its most cash-strapped cities to its most exclusive suburban zip codes. One deputy fire chief in Jersey City took in $601,500, and 46 other employees statewide received at least $250,000. Public safety retirees accounted for the lion’s share of the cost — 82% — and the average payout across the board was $98,285 in NJ Advance Media’s analysis, which focused on the very top earners in the state.”

DO YOU REALLY WANT TO BE CONNECTED TO STATEN ISLAND? — “Should the 95-year-old Outerbridge Crossing be replaced? An $8M study could answer that.,” by NJ Advance Media’s Larry Higgs: “The fate of the 95-year old Outerbridge Crossing between New Jersey and Staten Island is in the hands of engineers hired by the Port Authority Thursday to determine if additional lanes can be added to the span. An $8.3 million study — which New York state officials sought in 2021 — will determine whether lanes can be added to the old bridge or if it should be replaced. There are currently two lanes in each direction and no shoulders. ‘We were asked to do a widening study,’ said Rick Cotton, executive director in response to a question if the money would be better spent on a replacement. That request was required by a law signed by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul in 2021. New York’s law directed the Port Authority to studying widening and how to increase traffic flow and send a report about the findings to both states governors and legislatures.”

NOT STICKING TO THEIR GUNS — New Jersey revises gun carry training requirements after pushback from gun group, by POLITICO’s Daniel Han: The state has scaled back its new live training requirements for a concealed carry permit after pushback from groups supporting gun rights. The changes were announced in a memo dated Sept. 15 from Attorney General Matt Platkin and State Police Superintendent Col. Patrick Callahan to “All Law Enforcement and NJ Certified Firearms Instructors." It replaced earlier training requirements for people seeking a carry permit that were announced in mid-July … Gun rights groups said that requirements released by the state on July 21 were too stringent and similar to law enforcement training. According to the Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs' Scott Bach, the organization negotiated with the Office of the Attorney General for the changes.

SORRY CHARLIE — “Judge declines to limit Daniel’s Law for reporters,” by New Jersey Monitor’s Nikita Biyrukov: “A trial court judge on Thursday declined to impose limits on a state law criminalizing the release of addresses belonging to judges and some law enforcement officials and also declined to bar criminal charges for a reporter battling with New Brunswick officials over a top official’s residency. Charlie Kratovil, editor of the local newspaper New Brunswick Today, had sought a narrow injunction against the statute — known as Daniel’s Law — saying local officials who threatened civil and criminal penalties under the law violated his freedom of speech. The officials have sought to bar Kratovil from publishing the address of the city’s police director. But Superior Court Judge Joseph Rea sided with New Brunswick officials and declined to declare Daniel’s Law unconstitutional as it relates to Kratovil’s attempt to publish the police director’s address. Kratovil’s attorneys have already appealed the decision.”

HOW PETTY OF THEM — “Administration won’t back down on clean-energy goals,” by NJ Spotlight News’ Tom Johnson: “The Murphy administration is staying the course on two of the most controversial aspects of its clean-energy agenda: electrifying both the transportation sector and the state’s buildings and homes. In an 81-page statewide strategic climate action plan (SCAP) released this week, the Department of Environmental Protection reaffirmed its intention to slash global warming emissions by transitioning New Jersey to electric vehicles and by virtually phasing out the use of natural gas to heat homes and businesses. The report comes as the administration has encountered significant political pushback on these and other climate-related policies. But in the document that formally lays out its agenda, the department didn’t appear to flinch.”

SHE CALLED THE MANAGER — “Lawsuit, video were unrelated to exit from Senate race, Cooper says,” by New Jersey Globe’s David Wildstein: “Heather Cooper says that a lawsuit filed against her and a video of a 2019 incident involving her husband and police officers in Evesham, where she is a councilwoman, had nothing to do with her decision to drop her bid for an open State Senate seat in the potentially competitive 8th district. ‘Absolutely not,' Cooper said, repeating that she dropped her Senate bid due to a personal health issue … Cooper is among the defendants in a complaint filed in June by an employee of the Burlington County Special Services School, where she is the human resources director. Michele DeFranco, a payroll coordinator who asked for workplace accommodations as a result of back and neck injuries, alleges that Cooper refused … In court filings, DeFranco alleges that while being unable to gain workplace accommodations, Cooper ‘routinely worked from home.’ ‘Employees referred to Cooper as ‘Bigfoot’ and the ‘Loch Ness Monster’ because she was spotted so infrequently in the office,’ DeFranco claimed in her complaint … Cooper also dismissed the idea that a police body cam video from four years that had begun to circulate inside political bubbles where a police officer found a vehicle with a fake license plate outside their home. She protested the idea that police might tow the vehicle. ‘My attorney is on the phone with the lieutenant right now,’ Cooper told the police officer. ‘And the township manager.’”

—Snowflack: “Did New Jersey lose its damn mind?” 

—“Commission rules on fate of prison officer who stood by at mock murder of George Floyd” 

—“Gottheimer says he supports county line system” 

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FOR PETE’S SAKE — “Wildwood Mayor Pete Byron resigns,” by The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Amy S. Rosenberg: “Wildwood Mayor Pete Byron, who has faced criminal charges in federal and state courts but had vowed to stay in office, resigned Thursday, the city said. Deputy Mayor Krista Fitzsimons assumed his responsibilities immediately, the city said in a statement. 'It is with deep sadness — yet great hope — for the continued prosperity of Wildwood, that I resign as Mayor of the City of Wildwood, NJ.,' Byron said in the statement. ‘I have held the honor and pleasure of serving my community as Commissioner for the past 12 years.' Byron, a Democrat, was a popular yet beleaguered mayor of the resort town, which faced challenges this summer from a series of power outages that cut into summer revenue for businesses. His constituents had rallied around his determination to stay in office despite his legal troubles … Byron, meanwhile, was sentenced to probation in August in federal court in Camden after pleading guilty to tax fraud charges. The judge … called the Shore town mayor’s submission of false tax returns that omitted $40,000 in income ‘a serious offense.’ The same day, the state Attorney General’s office announced that Byron, along with two other current and former Wildwood officials, had once again been indicted by a grand jury on charges that they allegedly submitted false records to qualify for taxpayer-funded health benefits.”

ROSE HELL — “Town workers ordered not to speak to N.J. councilwoman who plans to file civil rights lawsuit,” by NJ Advance Media’s Anthony G. Attrino: “A top official in Roselle has ordered government employees to refrain from speaking with a councilwoman who is planning to file a civil rights lawsuit against the Union County borough. ‘We currently find ourselves entangled in a legal dispute with Councilwoman (Cynthia) Johnson, a member of our esteemed council,’ acting Borough Administrator Shanel Y. Robinson wrote in a Sept. 14 email to all employees. ‘In light of this, I wish to emphasize that no employee should engage in direct communications with Councilwoman Johnson regarding borough business during the course of this litigation,’ Robinson added. Johnson, a 3rd councilwoman who recently won re-election, filed a notice of intent to sue the borough in March 2022, alleging officials repeatedly violated her civil rights and harassed her after she voiced concerns over finances and other matters.”

BEACHWOOD — “Beachwood code enforcement official charged with official misconduct, double billing,” by The Asbury Park Press’ Ken Serrano: “A code enforcement and zoning officer for Beachwood has been accused of using his office for personal gain and working for different municipalities during the same hours, authorities said. Michael Ruvo, 56, of Toms River, was charged with official misconduct and pattern of official misconduct, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said in a statement … In April 2022, Ruvo created a limited liability company to surreptitiously buy a property on Surf Avenue in Beachwood that had code violations, Billhimer said. Ruvo claimed to be arranging the sale for a third party who didn't want their identity revealed and failed to inform the person who held power of attorney for the property owner that Ruvo himself was the purchaser, Billhimer said. Ruvo closed on the property in July 2022, buying it for $80,000, although it was appraised at over $200,000, Billhimer said. In June 2022, Ruvo issued a code enforcement violation to a property owner on Tiller Avenue who received an estimate to fix the problems but asked for an extension. Ruvo told the woman that he knew a company that could provide the service cheaper, Billhimer said. The recommended company, Express Cleanout, was owned by Ruvo, but he did not tell the property owner that, Billhimer said. Ruvo's company did not complete the job, but he deemed the property to be in compliance nonetheless, Billhimer said.”

—“Atlantic City Housing Authority tenants ask City Council for help fixing living conditions” 

—“Ex-[Paulsboro] fire chief fighting to recover from stroke as family asks for help” 

—“Clifton plans to avoid repeat of near $600,000 contractor scam by hiring firm” 

—“Weeks into school year, this North Jersey middle school still has no student schedules” 

—“Andrew Washington protest marches to Jersey City City Hall, dominates council meeting” 

—“Journal Square councilman’s affordable housing plan put on pause” 

A message from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital:

Enter the “room where it happens”, where global power players shape policy and politics, with Power Play. POLITICO’s brand-new podcast will host conversations with the leaders and power players shaping the biggest ideas and driving the global conversations, moderated by award-winning journalist Anne McElvoy. Sign up today to be notified of the first episodes in September – click here.

RUTGERS — “Rutgers president could face no-confidence vote Friday after strike, months of controversy,” by WNYC’s Nancy Solomon: “Members of the Rutgers University Senate are considering a vote of no confidence against school President Jonathan Holloway — a rebuke just three years into his history-making term as the school’s first Black president. A draft of the Senate’s resolution obtained by Gothamist accuses Holloway of ‘disdain for the diverse community of students, staff and faculty across all Rutgers campuses.’ It says he’s dismissed a tradition of shared governance with the Senate, a mostly advisory body of faculty, staff and students. The Senate meets Friday and requires a majority vote to place the no-confidence resolution on the agenda.”

A 0.0000087 MASTRO MEAL — “New York Times columnist goes viral with $78 Newark Airport meal complaint,” by NJ Advance Media’s Amy Kuperinsky: “Writer David Brooks shared a photo of his meal Wednesday night with a complaint: He spent $78 at Newark Airport. The photo shows a burger, crinkle-cut fries, tomato, lettuce, ketchup packets and a beverage in a glass. ‘This meal just cost me $78 at Newark Airport,’ Brooks, 62, shared with his 251,000 followers on the social network formerly known as Twitter.’ This is why Americans think the economy is terrible.’ … People immediately speculated about the drink, since it looked like it could well be liquor, which would of course run up a bigger bill than a soda. Many assumed outright that Brooks had been drinking alcohol like whisky or whiskey, which is a pricy choice for airport refreshment, especially if it’s not just one drink. In that case, a huge chunk of the meal cost would of course be consumed by the liquid portion … Others noted that airport prices aren’t exactly known to be reasonable — this wasn’t his supermarket cart.”

—“Jenkinson’s mum on plans to reopen beach access points after DEP violation plea” 

—“American Dream lawsuits are stacking up. Here's why — and how they compare to other malls” 

—“Positively New Jersey: Centuries-old farmhouse surrounded by busy highways” 

—“Storm surges and hurricanes in New Jersey: Everything you need to know” 

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.

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