Paterson and Palestine

Good Friday morning!
Late last month, at a ceremony marking the start of Ramadan, Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh called his city the 'capital of Palestine' and repeated someone's comments about it being the 'fourth holiest city' in Islam.
To me, it sounded like typical municipal boosterism by a Democratic mayor who leads a city with a big Arab-American population, many of them Palestinians. And Sayegh told me that's exactly what he meant by it. He said just the other week, speaking to Dominican-Americans, he called Paterson the 'capital of the Dominican Republic.' But to right-wing and pro-Israel publications, Sayegh's Palestine comments were vague and threatening.
You can see the backlash here. One website even called Sayegh 'Jihad-happy.' Another incorrectly said he's Muslim. (He's a Catholic of Syrian and Lebanese descent). 'Critics argue that the city's transformation into an Islamic and Palestinian enclave could undermine the values that have traditionally defined Paterson,' read one publication, referring to the planned industrial city that's seen different waves of immigrants from all over the world. If someone topples the Lou Costello statue, then maybe they'll have a point. It's also kind of funny that designating Paterson the actual capital of Palestine might actually please some Israelis considering the dispute over Jerusalem.
Sayegh's comments have largely escaped mainstream media coverage in New Jersey, probably because they just sounded like typical politician talk. For instance, I recall Alabama-born former state Sen. Sam Thompson, a Republican who represented many Indian-Americans, referring to himself at an event as 'Sam Thompson Patel.'
Bill Spadea, Republican candidate for governor, is putting himself in the middle of it. On Sunday, over a Marco Rubio tweet about deporting visa and green card holders who are Hamas supporters, obviously referring to Columbia University pro-Palestine activist Mahmoud Khalil, Spadea tweeted: 'Good. Start in Paterson, New Jersey.' Spadea plans to briefly stop in the city Saturday to criticize this and Sayegh's previous immigration statements.
One speaker at the event did make some controversial comments that touched on the war in Gaza and Israel, but got very little attention for them. Paterson-born Rania Mustafa, who leads the city's Palestinian American Community Center, criticized 'Israel's ongoing aggression to both Gaza and the West Bank' and called on the audience to support the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel. But Sayegh's statements are basically just treating Palestinians the same way politicians talk about other ethnic constituencies in their towns. Saint Patrick's Day is Monday. Do you think politicians are getting negative press for showing up to the parades?
HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Anthony Campisi, Brian McGovern. Saturday for Nia Gill, Grace Spencer, Brian Bauerle, Justin Zaremba, Katie Wertheimer. Sunday for Beth Sawyer, Koren Frankfort, Shane Mitchell, Christina Renna, Madeline Urbish
WHERE'S MURPHY? In Newark at 10:30 a.m. for the funeral Mass of Newark Police Detective Joseph Anthony Azcona
QUOTE OF THE DAY: 'President Trump is not a king, and he cannot unilaterally decide to close a cabinet agency.' — Attorney General Matt Platkin, on the latest multi-state lawsuit against the Trump administration, this time against gutting the Department of Education
WHAT TRENTON MADE
I SEE DEAD POLICIES — Gov. Phil Murphy's administration is counting on offshore wind to meet the Democrat's clean energy goals, despite turmoil, failure and uncertainty in the wind industry, according to a preview of his long-awaited energy blueprint released Thursday.
Officials and consultants hired by the administration held a lengthy public hearing on a draft of the state energy master plan, which hasn't been updated since before the pandemic. Eric Miller, the top climate staffer in the governor's office, said the plan is meant to be 'actionable and flexible' to help the state meet Murphy's goal of 100 percent clean electricity by 2035.
But amid the largely upbeat picture the consultants painted are signs that Murphy's major promises are in danger of being swallowed up by skyrocketing electricity rates, the failures of the offshore wind industry and potential loss of federal subsidies for clean energy. 'It's feasible for New Jersey to meet its goals, but there will be challenges,' said one of the consultants hired to work on the plan, Chelsea Petrenko of E3. — Ry Rivard
EXPUNGEWORTHY — 'N.J. just made 'pivotal' move to help those with minor convictions rebuild their lives,' by NJ Advance Media's Ted Sherman: 'For years, critics say the New Jersey State Police has taken far too long to erase the convictions of those charged with minor crimes — despite court orders to seal those records — leaving thousands in legal limbo. On Thursday, the Office of the Public Defender said it reached a settlement that should speed up the slow-as-molasses criminal expungement process, with the goal to complete the processing of those cases within 90 days … The settlement term sheet was finalized after months of mediation before retired Associate Justice Jaynee LaVecchia. As part of that agreement, officials said a newly launched online portal will allow people to track the status of their expungement orders. At the same time, the State Police agreed to provide monthly, detailed reports on expungement processing numbers, which will be publicly posted over an 18-month period. In addition, the agency agreed under the settlement to process all known expungement orders that are more than 120 days old by June 1.'
2 STATES 1 CUP — 'As political volatility escalates, so do preparations for the FIFA 2026 World Cup in NJ,' by The Record's Katie Sobko: 'Lauren LaRusso, a co-chair of the New York New Jersey Host Committee for the eight matches set to take place next summer at MetLife Stadium, joined Meg Kane of the Philadelphia organizing committee, Jeremy Goldberg of Microsoft and Kely Nascimento of The Impact Game to talk about what it takes to prepare for the biggest sporting event on the planet …Though hosting is a New Jersey and New York partnership, LaRusso did acknowledge that the city tends to get the lion's share of the attention so it's up to the host committee to draw fans out of the city itself. That will include a partnership with Adidas, which will place 150 'big mega balls' with QR codes at attractions and destinations worth visiting in a 'scavenger hunt type way' beyond just Manhattan. As for what that visit will cost and how it will impact New Jersey remains to be seen. Though the state partnered with its neighbor across the river for hosting duties, a contract between the two still does not exist.'
LANDLINE BLING — Lawmaker proposes statewide elderly hotline to reduce social isolation, by POLITICO's Matt Friedman: New Jersey seniors who just want someone to talk to would be able to sign up for a weekly telephone check-in under a new legislative proposal. Assemblymember Carol Murphy last week introduced a bill to create a statewide telephone chat line for residents who are at least 60, run by the state Division of Aging Services. 'This has been a big issue for seniors, that they feel lonely and isolated,' Murphy, a Democrat from Burlington County, said in a phone interview. 'Even those who are at home and get someone who comes in and takes care of them, the isolation is huge to a lot of them.' Under the bill, NJ A5428 (24R), New Jerseyans who are at least 60 years old would be able to sign up with the division to receive a weekly telephone call. They'd fill out a form that would include questions about their interests and hobbies, and the best time to reach them.
ONE FLU OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST — Spadea vows to end flu shot requirements as governor, by POLITICO's Daniel Han: Former conservative radio host Bill Spadea is promising to scrap flu vaccine requirements if elected governor. The annual shot is recommended for everyone over six months old with limited exceptions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — and is credited with preventing hundreds of thousands of flu-related hospitalizations in a single flu season. In New Jersey, state law requires health care workers to get the flu shot and it is required for preschool-aged children and to enroll in child care. 'Parents want to be able to decide what goes into their kids' bodies,' Spadea said in an interview posted online Wednesday, underscoring that nurses and public health officials should not be required to get the shot. 'This is a very basic thing. I've made a public commitment that I want to get rid of the flu shot mandates. The flu shot is an absurdity as a mandate anywhere' … In 2018, Spadea encouraged his listeners to get flu shots and said they weren't as effective if there wasn't widespread uptake. 'Get your flu shot — that's right,' he said at the time.
— 'With immigration fight, Newark mayor claims progressive lane in governor's race'
— 'After an I-295 wall collapse in Camden County, a new law requires stronger testing for road construction'
— 'Has South Jersey made this blue state more of a purple? Governor race may test the notion'
— 'Congressman Frank Pallone endorses Mikie Sherrill for NJ Governor'
— 'Joe Egan's IBEW Local 456 endorses Steve Sweeney'
TRUMP ERA
ARTKNOCKERS — 'NJ arts groups fear what comes next amid flurry of changes by Trump administration,' by The Record's Jim Beckerman: 'At first glance, New Jersey arts funding might appear to have a comfortable cushion. The federal part of the funding pie, in this state, is small: $1.19 million. A total of $31.9 million was awarded by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts last year to 900 New Jersey arts groups and projects in the state. (Some additional state funding comes from other sources.) New Jersey is unusual because it has its own dedicated arts funding stream: the Hotel/Motel State Occupancy Fee, established in 2003, on the principle that theater, dance and music are tourism generators. Virtually all of the state arts council's money comes from this source. Thus, New Jersey is less dependent than some other states on federal funding. However, the lion's share of the federal $1.19 million New Jersey gets from the National Endowment for the Arts goes to administrative costs for the state's arts council. Without it, the whole distribution mechanism of the grants could be affected.'
A HALAL BUDGET — 'House GOP kills over 200 NJ community projects,' by NJ Spotlight News' Benjamin J. Hulac: 'New Jersey would lose more than $200 million in federal funding for a variety of projects, from lead-pipe replacement, chemical cleanup and stormwater management projects to money for fire engines, libraries, road construction and police departments, under legislation Congress is poised to pass this week … The New Jersey congressional delegation voted along party lines: Republicans voted for the bill and Democrats voted against it. The bill keeps federal funding largely flat through September while increasing spending on the U.S. military by $6 billion. To the frustration of members of both parties, including Rep. Chris Smith (R-4th), the bill eliminated all funding through earmarks — the method Congress uses to pay for specific projects lawmakers secure for their home state or district. 'I will work to put them back next year,' Smith said in an interview with NJ Spotlight News.'
— 'NJ Medicaid monitors claw back $100M annually from fraud, overpayments'
— 'Will N.J.'s 3 GOP Congressmen vote to slash Medicaid? | Opinion'
LOCAL
INZELBUCKS — 'State blocks reappointment of Lakewood Schools' $6 million attorney,' by the Asbury Park Press' Joe Strupp: 'The school district's state monitor has blocked the reappointment of Lakewood Board of Education attorney Michael Inzelbuch after a scathing state report criticized his contract, which has paid him more than $6 million since 2017 and requires little accountability. The move comes shortly after an Asbury Park Press investigation on Feb. 18 that detailed Inzelbuch's contract and included critics' comments about the board's approval of the unique agreement. The nine-page report, issued on Feb. 25 from the state Department of Education's Office of Fiscal Accountability and Compliance (OFAC), states that Inzelbuch's contract is problematic because it was not put out to competitive bid to ensure the most affordable legal services. It also does not require detailed invoices and improperly guarantees that he will earn $50,000 per month no matter how much work is done … Board of Education President Moshe Bender sought to counter the report during the board's regular March 12 meeting, claiming it was filled with inaccurate information and did not take into account Inzelbuch's positive attributes.'
LAPOLLA DOLLA BILL Y'ALL — 'Montclair's parting interim manager to get $72,174 payout, contract says,' by Montclair Local's Matt Kadosh: 'Michael Lapolla, Montclair's interim township manager, will receive a total payout of $72,174.60 on or before his departure from service with the township on March 31, according to his separation agreement. On Tuesday, the Township Council approved the agreement, which requires the town to pay Lapolla $52,500, representing 90 days' pay. The contract also requires Montclair to pay Lapolla $19,674.60 for unused vacation days. Council members approved the contract by a unanimous vote after discussing some of its terms publicly … The Faulkner Act for Montclair's Council-Manager government form requires the town to pay a parting manager 'his salary for the next three calendar months.''
— '[Orange] city councilman brandished gun at tow truck driver, police say,' by NJ Advance Media's Anthony G. Attrino: 'City of Orange Councilman Kerry Coley Jr. was arrested Monday for allegedly attempting to intimidate a tow truck driver by displaying a firearm, authorities said Thursday. Coley surrendered at the City of Orange Township police headquarters and was held overnight at the Essex County Jail, according to Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Orange Township Police Director Todd Warren. He was charged with making terroristic threats, a third-degree crime.'
— 'New Jersey has contributed more than $800M in funding to Atlantic City for budgets since 2016'
— 'Wildwood vows to head off 'Project X' teen bash'
— 'Newark students are eager to participate in April's school board election, but they have questions'
— 'Jersey City Council approves vote of no confidence for Public Safety Director Shea'
— 'Neptune business administrator quits, cites 'changing political environment''
— '[Atlantic] county is considering selling its nursing home to avoid millions in losses'
— 'Another primary, another slugfest in Roselle'
EVERYTHING ELSE
HARVARD ON THE BOULEVARD — Funding for a costly merger between Kean and New Jersey City universities is uncertain, by POLITICO's Eden Teshome: New Jersey City University and Kean University plan to enter a multimillion-dollar merger that could cost the state tens of millions. But in a year when higher education is facing across-the-board cuts in the governor's budget, it's uncertain whether the state will deliver. Gov. Phil Murphy's office declined to answer directly whether the state would commit to funding the proposed merger, instead referring POLITICO to a previous joint statement from Murphy and Secretary of Higher Education Brian Bridges saying they 'look forward to working with state and institutional leaders on the path to a successful transition that empowers student success and long-term resilience.' NJCU spokesperson Ira Thor said 'the State has steadfastly supported NJCU's transition to its current financial strength and we have no reason to expect that there will be any lessening of that support going forward.'
NOPE, NOT GOING THERE — 'Damned if you do: This N.J. town declared war on its beaver neighbors. Boy, did they misunderstand the enemy,' by NJ Advance Media's Steven Rodas: 'In the farmhouse committee room, the humans huddled together and spoke of the evidence. The whispers were true. Things were escalating. Not just trivial teeth marks on twigs or muddy paw prints on paths. Entire trees felled. Stumps that foretold the same. Reports of one bold enough to trespass on someone's front lawn — near a playground, no less … This is not how things are supposed to be in the young neighborhood of Old York Village … A foolproof plan for a flawless suburb … … if not for the beavers … The town's stakeholders gathered, meeting after meeting, taking turns at the microphone — business owners, Boy Scouts, politicians and parents. Surely a few pesky rodents were no match for a group of New Jersey homeowners determined to keep unsavory visitors out of their town. What happened next was more than just an unhinged melodrama of neighbor versus neighbor versus beaver.'
— 'Bone-dry New Jersey asks people to delay lawn, yard projects until it rains more'

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