Remember the SJTA case?

Politico

10-07-2025

Good Thursday morning!
You might have forgotten it, but just days before George Norcross was indicted, Attorney General Matt Platkin announced charges against two South Jersey Transportation Authority members who allegedly held up contracts for an engineering firm because one of its executives refused to go along with a request from Democratic power broker George Norcross.
That was June 13, 2024. And it was a pretty compelling story. Norcross during a meeting had asked Mercer County Commissioner John Cimino, an executive at T&M Associates, to stay neutral in the Democratic primary for Mercer County executive. Cimino didn't, and shortly after the defendants — commissioner Christopher Milam and former Commissioner Bryan Bush — allegedly began holding up the authority's payments to his firm.
What's happened since the charges? Virtually nothing, at least publicly. A grand jury has not issued an indictment against the defendants, Milam and Bush. And no indictment means there's been no arraignment and no plea. Online court records show a case review conference scheduled for Aug. 20 before Judge Peter Warshaw, the same judge who dismissed the case against Norcross and his five co-defendants.
We can only speculate as to the cause of the delay, or try reading between the lines.
Sharon Lauchaire, a spokesperson for the attorney general, noted that the complaint was filed just a few months after the defendants' alleged crimes. 'Cases involving white-collar offenses take varied amounts of time based on the complexity of the matter, discussions among the parties, motions filed by both parties, the schedules of the court, defendants, witnesses, and defense counsel,' she said. 'In some instances, both parties in a case have an interest in substantial discussions before an indictment is returned or a case proceeds.'
Milam told me that he faults the Attorney General's office for being so slow with the case, but that he'd like to resolve it and get on with his life.
'It's been a year of my life that's been kind of in limbo,' he said, adding that he can't currently coach his son's sports teams because of the mark on his background check.
Had it not been for the much higher-profile Norcross indictment and its failure (Platkin is appealing), this case would probably be seen as a bigger deal.
R.I.P. KABIR MOSS — Kabir Moss, recently the spokesperson for Ras Baraka's gubernatorial campaign, who also worked for former Senate President Steve Sweneey and former Senate Majority Loretta Weinberg, died Wednesday, David Wildstein reports. He was just 37. The cause of death hasn't been publicized. I can't say I knew Moss extremely well, but when I talked to him I knew I was dealing with a kind soul, even when I wrote something I knew his employers didn't like. He's one of the people whose name I was happy to see pop up on my phone. And based on the response to his unexpected death, I'm not alone.
FEEDBACK? Reach me at [e-mail]
WHERE'S MURPHY — In Newark at 8:30 a.m. to address this summit, Paterson at 9:45 a.m. for a sports-related announcement, and Carlstadt at 11 a.m. for a Meadowlands Conservation Trust dedication ceremony.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: 'Moving the election of our governor and Legislature would not be easy. … It would take real leadership and a long-term view, something often more evident in Republicans. It would also certainly have some fierce opponents in the political industry, an industry I am also a part of since the continuous election cycle keeps us indefinitely employed. But I believe the more people show up to vote, the better off we are as a society and as a party, and I am tired of the Democrats across the country being steamrolled by Republicans who play politics on the ground while Democrats hold on to ideals, tradition and ceremony.' — Kabir Moss advocating for moving New Jersey's state-level elections from odd to even years in a 2021 op-ed, three years before Ras Baraka made it a campaign plank.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY — John Appezzato, Synnove Bakke, David Bander, Lori Ciesla, Heather Haddon, Margaret Morgan
WHAT TRENTON MADE
DEEP SHBP — Local government health insurance rates could go up 37 percent, by POLITICO's Daniel Han: The local government portion of the state-run government worker health insurance program is facing a proposed 37 percent rate increase for the upcoming plan year. The rates were unveiled during a Tuesday meeting of the State Health Benefits Commission, which sets rates and approves contracts for the government worker health plans. The commission did not vote on the rates, which would be felt by local governments and their employees on the health plan. The rates are expected to be addressed at an upcoming meeting. The Treasury, which oversees health benefits for government workers, had been warning of large rate increases for months. The local government portion of the SHBP has been described as being in a death spiral, with state officials and lawmakers previously floating the possibility of shutting down the program for local governments.
The proposed rate increases come as the government worker health plans are under scrutiny from policymakers and face questions around their long-term solvency — and during a key election year when the entire state Assembly and governor's office are on the ballot. In a statement to POLITICO, a spokesperson for Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin underscored a bill, A. 5903, that would overhaul the commission and the health plans provided to government workers — saying that Assembly Democrats would implement a 'solution' before the impending rate hikes take effect. 'The rate increases for public worker health benefits announced today are unacceptable,' spokesperson Nick Wroblewski said. 'It is clear that the system is broken. The Assembly has introduced legislation to address the issue that creates more transparency in pricing, saves money for public workers and taxpayers and respects collective bargaining.' A spokesperson for Gov. Phil Murphy also suggested the governor may weigh in on the matter, although it is less clear what he plans to do.
NJSP — 'State police unions sue New Jersey attorney general to block racial profiling probe,' by New Jersey Monitor's Dana DiFilippo: 'Three unions that represent New Jersey State Police have sued New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin in a bid to block his investigation into whether troopers deliberately slowed down traffic enforcement in response to claims of racial profiling in stops. Union officials want a state judge to toss five subpoenas Platkin's office issued in April demanding documents and ordering them to appear before a state grand jury probing the alleged slowdown. They also want the judge to bar the outside attorneys Platkin appointed from investigating further. In three lawsuits filed late last month, union leaders refute claims of racial profiling, insist the 3,000-member agency is already subject to robust oversight, and accuse Platkin of unconstitutional, retaliatory interference with their rights to advocate for union members. ... The first complaint was filed June 19 — the same day several state legislators introduced a bill that would remove the state police from Platkin's control.'
THE SUBPARNO STATE — New Jerseyans aren't happy with how the state is grappling with affordability, by POLITICO's Madison Fernandez: Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli have a monumental task ahead of them as they campaign for governor: trying to appeal to an electorate that is in a 'state of malaise' when it comes to how Trenton is handling issues like affordability and the economy. A poll from the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling at Rutgers University released Thursday found that 'there isn't a single issue where a significant majority is satisfied, even those that have historically proven to be feathers in the state government's cap,' according to Ashley Koning, director of the polling program.
FUSION VOTING: THE NUCLEAR OPTION — 'Americans desperately need more political choice. NJ could lead the way,' by Christine Todd Whitman and Jon Corzine for Gannett: 'American democracy is at risk of succumbing to authoritarianism. We see it in false claims about our elections, the willful disregard of the rule of law by the executive branch and the use of federal power to punish opponents and silence dissent. How did we get here? … [A]bove all, a widespread sense that democratic governance itself can no longer solve important problems. As two former governors, this last point holds special importance. We want government to be effective and to be seen as such. When it is seen as failing, the lure of the strongman grows. Governance is failing because politics is failing, and politics is failing because our two major parties are no longer the 'big tents' they once were. … There's a remarkable court case underway in New Jersey that could help us break out of the two-party 'doom loop.' … These cases are about reviving 'fusion' voting, also sometimes referred to as cross-nomination. It's a very simple system that gives voters more choices and stronger voices.'
IF ONLY HIS MIDDLE NAME STARTED WITH AN 'O' — 'Glenn Paulsen elected GOP state chairman,' by New Jersey Globe's David Wildstein: 'The New Jersey Republican State Committee tonight voted unanimously to elect Glenn Paulsen as the new GOP state chairman, ratifying a pick made by gubernatorial nominee Jack Ciattarelli. He succeeds Bob Hugin, who was tapped by Ciattarelli four years ago. The 76-year-old South Jersey lawyer was one of the state's most influential political leaders during the fifteen years when he ran the Burlington County Republican organization – then the majority party in the county – and returns to a party post solely to help Ciattarelli's bid for governor against Democrat Mikie Sherrill.'
GURAL, YOU'LL BE A HORSEMAN SOON — 'Meadowlands, Monmouth racetracks get $3.5M each from NJ to offset tax hike,' by The Record's Daniel Munoz: 'New Jersey's two racetracks are each getting $3.5 million in the state's record-high budget to offset cost increases from a tax hike Gov. Phil Murphy previously sought on revenue from sports betting. … But the tax threatened to eat into the bottom lines for the Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford and Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport, said Jeffrey Gural, owner of the Meadowlands Racetrack. That's because of the partnerships that the two racetracks have — with FanDuel for the Meadowlands Racetrack and with Caesars for Monmouth Park — which means the tax would eat into the racetrack's revenue, according to Gural. But the two remaining racetracks generated $6.3 million in tax revenue for the state this past May, versus $5.5 million in May 2024. The $3.5 million 'basically keeps us afloat for another year,' Gural said in a July 8 phone interview.'
LD40 — 'Physician accuses North Jersey Assembly candidate of domestic abuse,' by New Jersey Globe's Zach Blackburn: 'A New Jersey physician has alleged that Ron Arnau, a Democratic nominee for a state Assembly district in North Jersey, physically and emotionally abused him throughout a tumultuous, nearly two-year relationship from 2014 to 2016. Arnau, a former Woodland Park councilman, denies the allegations. In interviews with the New Jersey Globe, Cristian Serna-Tamayo said the toxic relationship culminated on the night of July 4, 2016, when he alleges Arnau held him at knifepoint for about three hours. Statements he made at the time, including a restraining order Serna-Tamayo received against Arnau, corroborate the claims. 'He held me against my will at knifepoint for three hours,' Serna-Tamayo wrote in a sworn witness statement after the incident. 'I thought he was going to kill me and himself.'Arnau, one of two Democratic nominees for Assembly in the state's 40th legislative district, was never criminally charged in the matter and is now married to a different man. He denied the allegations to the New Jersey Globe and said he believes documents and other evidence absolve him of wrongdoing, but is unsure whether he's legally allowed to release the evidence. Arnau said he proved his innocence in court; family court records in New Jersey are generally sealed, so the public cannot access those dockets.'
FLASHBACK — '[Arnau] sues spa for giving him an X-rated massage'
— 'Marathon school segregation case goes to appeals cour'
—'NJ Transit faces $10 million lawsuit from longtime Black female electrician'
—'This domestic violence tool can save lives. Why doesn't N.J. require it?'
—'Workers racing to build the Hudson River rail tunnels face sweltering summer heat'
BIDEN TIME
GOOD THING WE HAVE OFF-YEAR ELECTIONS TO FOCUS ON STATE ISSUES — Donald Trump is literally the x-factor in New Jersey's race for governor, by POLITICO's Madison Fernandez: The New Jersey governor's race is technically a choice between Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli. But you'd be forgiven for thinking Donald Trump's name is also on the ballot. 'If this campaign were a drinking game and you took a shot every time Mikie Sherrill says Trump, you'd be drunk off your ass every day between now and Nov. 4,' Ciattarelli warned during his primary night victory speech. Well, grab a breathalyzer. A POLITICO analysis of posts from Sherrill's and Ciattarelli's campaign accounts on the social platform X shows that — in just the first six months of the year — the candidates have mentioned Trump more than any nominees in the last two gubernatorial campaigns combined. And even though Ciattarelli blasted Sherrill's focus on Trump, he's also had the president on his mind far more than in the past. … The emphasis on Trump demonstrates how both parties view New Jersey's election — one of only two gubernatorial races nationally this year — as a temperature check of the electorate ahead of the midterms.
—'Around 15 people detained in ICE raid at Edison warehouse, workers say'
—'Latest Trump funding move puts several NJ school programs in jeopardy'
—'Cuts to SNAP may hit NJ beneficiaries hard'
LOCAL
FEELS LIKE THE FIRST TIME — 'Atlantic City principal's attorney claims audio file proves case against her is 'one-of-one',' by The Press of Atlantic City's John O'Connor: 'An Atlantic County Superior Court judge has refused to dismiss the indictment against the suspended Atlantic City High School principal accused of failing to report the alleged abuse of the mayor and superintendent's daughter, according to court documents. Constance Days-Chapman is charged with official misconduct, pattern of official misconduct, endangering the welfare of a child and hindering apprehension. Lee Vartan, Days-Chapman's attorney, argued before Judge Bernard DeLury last month that his client was the first educator in state history to be charged for failing to report abuse and that she is being used to convict Mayor Marty Small Sr. and his wife, Superintendent La'Quetta Small. … Vartan claimed phone records show Days-Chapman informed a higher-up at DCP&P of the alleged abuse Jan. 23 via a 31-minute phone call and spoke to that same individual three more times in the days that followed. The state has argued that Days-Chapman still didn't follow state law, which requires the individual to call 877-NJ-ABUSE.'
BLACKLISTED — 'Parent gets banned from Paterson school property, now running for Paterson BOE,' by The Paterson Press' Joe Malinconico: 'Community activist Cameo Black is one of those people who doesn't worry about offending folks when she speaks. 'Nobody not gonna tell me what I can say and what I can't say,' Black declared during a Board of Education meeting on May 7 when she complained about her son's alleged mistreatment in school. In a tirade of 3 minutes, 10 seconds, Black went on to tell the schools superintendent 'she always gonna look crazy,' warned an assistant superintendent 'I'm coming for you,' and accused the board's vice president of being disrespectful by 'bobbing your head like a woman at me.' … A week after the meeting, Paterson Schools Superintendent Laurie Newell sent Black a letter telling her she would be banned from attending board meetings and entering school district grounds for the next 90 days. … Black delivered her response to Newell's letter on July 8, when she went to the Passaic County Administration Building to drop off 100 signed nominating petitions for her candidacy in Paterson's upcoming Board of Education election.'
PEMBERTEMERITY — 'Mayor cancels beloved N.J. festival again — and now everyone wants him gone,' by NJ Advance Media's Nyah Marshall: 'A Burlington County mayor is once again facing calls to resign after residents accused him of canceling a beloved, decades-old town festival to punish the community. Jack Tompkins, who was elected the mayor of Pemberton in 2023, has faced a tenure riddled with controversy and lawsuits. … Residents packed the council meeting, also demanding his removal, after what many saw as his latest act of retaliation — canceling the township's annual Water Carnival. The beloved annual tradition was scheduled for next Saturday. … On July 1, the mayor posted a notice on the township's Facebook page announcing the event had been canceled due to a ''lack of community participation' and 'staffing shortages.' 'This decision was not made by any one individual but was the result of collaboration among all the involved departments,' the mayor wrote. However, residents and council members allege Tompkins canceled yet another community event out of spite, without any input from other town officials. … There are eight lawsuits pending against Tompkins, according to [Council President Matthew] Bianchini.'
—'Cape May County bridge plans called biggest in history at $350M'
— 'Homeless may be jailed and fined if they keep living in [Toms river] parking garage'
—'Jersey City's credit rating falls as finances deteriorate'
—'Judge's ruling allows Palisades Park to go after former administrator's payments'
—'[Highlands] has spent 'hundreds of thousands' dealing with a problem the feds won't fix'
EVERYTHING ELSE
AT THIS POINT, IT KNOWS IT CAN — 'Locomotive 4207, on the rails for 60 years and still hauling commuters,' by Michael Harmon for The New York Times: 'When New Jersey Transit's locomotive 4207 rolled off the assembly line, the Beatles were still touring, Johnny Carson was just three years into hosting 'The Tonight Show' and America had yet to see its first Super Bowl or eat its first Dorito. Sixty years later, 4207 is still hauling New Jersey commuters where they need to go — making it not just the oldest locomotive on NJ Transit's roster but the oldest in regular passenger service in the entire country. It may be an anomaly in American railroading, but not at NJ Transit. The commuter rail agency, the nation's third busiest, operates more than 20 similar GP40 diesel engines — also called 'Geeps' — the oldest of which were originally built as freight locomotives for the New York Central Railroad in 1965. The trains are almost two decades older than NJ Transit itself, yet there is no retirement party on the horizon.'