It’s Wednesday in New Jersey, where the rhetoric in Trenton is as hot as the summer sun, with Democrats vowing a fight over Gov. Chris Christie’s veto of a bill to raise the state minimum wage, and Christie lambasting those on the other side of the aisle for stalling on confirming political appointees. On a local level, one New Jersey county is putting road crews back to work despite the impasse over the state Transportation Trust Fund, while another is sending workers home in an effort to close a budget gap. For all this and more news, read on.
Quote of the Day: “They all the time stress to me how they are a co-equal branch of government. Well, then do your damn job,” – Gov. Chris Christie, on the Democratic-controlled state legislature’s failure to act on appointments to the Election Law Enforcement Commission.
Christie: Chicago, not Camden, needs Trump’s help
Gov. Christie says Donald Trump couldn’t do anything more than he himself has as governor to make Camden safer, after an 8-year-old girl was hit by a stray bullet last week.
Maddie Hanna and Andrew Seidman, Inquirer Read more
Christie: Democrats should do their ‘damn job’
Gov. Chris Christie said Monday it’s about time Democratic lawmakers do their “damn job” and stop playing games over political appointments.
Matt Arco, NJ.com Read more
This N.J. county is resuming roadwork even after Christie put a stop to it
Citing safety concerns, Cumberland County freeholders have ordered several road projects shut down by Gov. Chris Christie to resume.
Bill Gallo Jr., NJ.com Read more
N.J. Democrats vow to fight Christie’s $15 minimum wage veto
Democratic leaders in the New Jersey Legislature plan to push back against Gov. Chris Christie’s veto of proposal raising the state’s minimum wage to $15 and instead put the matter before voters.
Matt Arco, NJ.com Read more
Tim Kaine’s ‘Late Show’ look-alike is Glen Rock’s Mark Spada
Mark Spada was having a typical night in July as post production supervisor on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” — until one of the writers swung by with some news about Hillary Clinton’s just-announced pick for Vice President.
Virginia Rohan, The Record Read more
Christie returns to center with an eye on the future
Governor Christie briefly stepped away from the “alt-right” Donald Trump campaign Monday and swerved back to the political center.
Charles Stile, The Record Read more
Christie to host N.J. fundraiser for Trump transition
Gov. Chris Christie will host a $5,000-a-head fundraiser in Bernards for Republican nominee Donald Trump’s presidential transition effort next month, Politico reported Tuesday.
Samantha Marcus, NJ.com Read more
Atlantic County to close most offices Friday for furloughs
Atlantic County plans to furlough hundreds of employees and close most county offices and facilities on Friday to meet a $3.4 million budget shortfall in 2016.
Michael Miller, The Press of Atlantic City Read more
Complaints between Morris County freeholder candidates linger after primary
The Republican primary election for Morris County freeholder is long over but criminal complaints and counter-charges filed between incumbent primary winner Thomas Mastrangelo and his opponents are lingering, slated to be heard Sept. 15 in Frankford Township Municipal Court.
Peggy Wright, Daily Record Read more
State grant funds could lower Toms River tax increase
An expanded state grant program for hard-hit Sandy towns could help Toms River trim a municipal tax increase, township Administrator Paul J. Shives said.
Jean Milke, Asbury Park Press Read more
N.J. community starts ‘tax revolt’ after bills shoot up around $500
It’s no Boston Tea Party, but residents of this Camden County township are planning a tax revolt.
Rebecca Everett, NJ.com Read more
Obama commutes life sentences of 3 N.J. inmates
Three New Jersey residents sentenced to life imprisonment had their sentences commuted by President Barack Obama as he continued to reduce penalties for those incarcerated for drug-related crimes.
Jonathan D. Salant, NJ.com Read more