State Dems demand investigation of potential 3rd District candidate
State Democrats are demanding an investigation of Niki Trunk, an employee with the state Comptroller’s office who is reportedly exploring a run for state Senate in the 3rd Legislative District
Darryl R. Isherwood- PolitickerNJ.com
http://www.politickernj.com/62966/state-dems-demand-investigation-potential-3rd-district-candidate
Clearing judicial nomination backlog long overdue, Christie says
SEA GIRT – Gov. Chris Christie indicated he agrees with a state senator – who he’s long been at odds with over judicial nominations – that taking action on nearly two dozen Superior Court nominations this month represents a “significant breakthrough.”
Matthew Arco-Politickernj.com
http://www.politickernj.com/62964/clearing-judicial-nomination-backlog-long-overdue-christie-says
Brian’s Song
Gov. Chris Christie is scheduled to be in Union City tomorrow to help longtime Democratic ally state Sen. Brian P. Stack (D-33) rechristen a grammar school in honor of General Colin Powell.
Max Pizarro-PolitickerNJ.com
http://www.politickernj.com/62962/brians-song
Sweeney on court nominees’ hearings: ‘not going to rush the process’
TRENTON – Senate President Steve Sweeney, (D-3), of West Deptford, said Wednesday he’s doing his “due diligence” when it comes to deciding when to hold a hearing on Gov. Chris Christie’s two state Supreme Court nominations.
Minhaj Hassan-PolitickerNJ.com
http://www.politickernj.com/62961/sweeney-court-nominees-hearings-not-going-rush-process
Latest from State Street Wire
Christie: $1.8B in Sandy recovery aid could be on way soon
SEA GIRT – New Jersey and other states affected by Superstorm Sandy are getting closer to receiving the first phase of federal dollars in the form of Community Development Block Grants, Gov. Chris Christie said Wednesday.
Matthew Arco-PolitickerNJ.com
http://www.politickernj.com/62956/christie-18b-sandy-recovery-aid-could-be-way-soon
Energy tax receipts remain critical concern for NJ League
TRENTON – As it did last year, The N.J. League of Municipalities asked today for a restoration of energy tax receipts.
Minhaj Hassan-State Street Wire
http://www.politickernj.com/62946/energy-tax-receipts-remain-critical-concern-nj-league
From the Back Room
Geraldo bites back
Newsman Geraldo Rivera took to Facebook last night in what looks to be an attempt to fend off Newark Mayor Cory Booker’s legion of supporters.
Darryl Isherowood-PolitickerNJ.com
http://www.politickernj.com/back_room/geraldo-bites-back
NY-NJ Port Authority: Sandy caused $2B in damage
NEW YORK — The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey says damage caused by Superstorm Sandy to its various properties will surpass $2 billion but the impact on its bottom line will be minimal.
Associated Press
http://www.northjersey.com/news/Port_Authority_chief_Sandy_caused_2B_in_damages.html
Christie tells doctor to ‘shut up’ about his weight
TRENTON — The week that began with Gov. Chris Christie trading fat jokes with David Letterman has now spawned a super-sized brawl between the governor and a former White House doctor.
Jenna Portnoy- The Star-Ledger
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/02/christie_tells_doctor_to_shut.html#incart_m-rpt-1
Menendez controversy barely registers with residents in upscale community
LA ROMANA, Dominican Republic — In the lush tropical resort called Casa de Campo, where rock stars arrive by helicopter and guests moor their $80 million yachts in a private marina, Salomon Melgen is just another rich resident, not a household name.
Salvador Rizzo –The Star Ledger
Rebuilding standards at Jersey Shore must reflect climate change, experts say
A day after Governor Christie dismissed questions about whether climate change fueled superstorm Sandy, scientists maintained Wednesday that global warming and sea level rise must be taken into account when rebuilding the Jersey Shore.
James Fallon and Scott Fallon – The Star-Ledger
Saddle River council president enters Assembly race
Saddle River Council President Karen Mastriano recently announced her plans to seek the Republican nomination for the New Jersey State Assembly in District 39.
Sarah Nolan – Town Journal
http://www.northjersey.com/news/190148371_Saddle_River_council_president_enters_Assembly_race.html
Sales don’t match boasts of Christmases past, but retail on positive trajectory
Though sales growth among New Jersey brick-and-mortar retailers throughout the 2012 Christmas season was weaker than the previous year’s Christmas boost, the scope of leasing activity in the state indicates the sector is on a positive trajectory, according to a survey by retail real estate services firm Levin Management Corp.
Katie Eder-NJ Biz
Mom whose baby was born with cocaine in system wasn’t neglectful, NJ Supreme Court rules
TRENTON — In a far-reaching decision that clarifies what child abuse means and how families are investigated, the state Supreme Court ruled today that parents who engage in risky behavior cannot be found neglectful if there is no evidence they harmed their child.
Susan K. Livio-The Star-Ledger
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2013/02/nj_supreme_court_sides_with_mo.html
Many North Jerseyans support plan to end Saturday mail delivery
The U.S. Postal Service’s announcement Wednesday that it planned to end Saturday delivery in August left many in North Jersey unfazed, with some saying they don’t rely on mail anymore and others applauding the cost savings for the financially strapped federal agency.
Michael Copley-The Record
Opinion
Christie wrong to slam report about AshBritt cleanup contract with N.J. towns: Editorial
There he goes again.
Gov. Chris Christie has been spitting invective at The Star-Ledger this week for daring to raise questions about the state’s massive no-bid contract with a politically connected refuse disposal firm. Sorry, Governor, but it is our job to keep an eye on these things even when we know it will provoke a storm of gubernatorial bloviation.
Editorial: Camden’s County cops should be successful
Camden County is treading where no New Jersey county has tread before with its “Metro” regional police force.
Elliot Goldberg- South Jersey Times
http://www.nj.com/south-jersey-voices/index.ssf/2013/02/editorial_camdens_countywide_c.html
