Executive Takeover Order
AC’s firefighters and the state met in an Atlantic City courtroom on Tuesday to make their case for or against (respectively) job cuts and contract changes. The state’s attorney Ron Israel (who’s billing the state – ie taxpayers – $350 an hour) said last year’s Stabilization Act gives the governor “nonnegotiable prerogative” to change contracts in the city (except for teachers…) Judge Mendez asked, then, whether he had any role in the case before him. Israel said “Respectfully, no.” The judge seemed bemused. The firefighters’ lawyer compared the state’s action to President Trump’s order on immigration. “The (state’s) designee has sweeping authority. But that does not mean to do it in an unconstitutional manner,” he said. You should read Amy Rosenberg from The Philadelphia Inquirer on what went down.
NJ Budget Rundown
Gov. Chris Christie delivered his last budget on Tuesday, offering up no major tax cuts but also no major spending changes either. NJ Spotlight reports that he left school funding untouched, but with an offer to negotiate on the topic with Democrats, and floated some ideas, like using lottery money to help pay for the state’s (still rather empty) pension pot, and asking the very profitable charity Blue Cross Blue Shield to help pay for more healthcare in the state.
The Rt 9 Object
Cat Country 107.3 wants your help figuring out what a bizarre white and red funnel coming out of the ground is doing alongside Route 9 in Little Egg Harbor. It looks a lot like the top of a large periscope from a submarine, but it’s on land… hmmm. Have a look here.
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The rest of the headlines from the last 24 hours include Donald Norcross inviting the half-Iranian Rowan University president to last night’s Trump speech, governor candidate Phil Murphy tells Pleasantville he just wants to serve, and the EHT school board has rejected a proposed transgender policy. All that and more below:
Arc Offers Free Developmental Disabilities Workshops–The Arc of Atlantic County will host two free informational workshops to help parents/family members to learn more about support opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month of March. The DDD Supports Program will describe what you need to know about the Division of Developmental Disabilities 6 pm Wednesday, March 8. Shore News Today
Three-Week Detour Expected for Work Near Egg Harbor Township Wal-Mart–Starting Wednesday, a detour will be in effect in the westbound lane of Old Egg Harbor Road between Fire Road and Hingston Avenue for county roadwork. The detour, near the site of the new Wal-Mart, will be in place from 7 am to 6 p Monday through Friday and is expected to last about three weeks. Press of Atlantic City
Atlantic City Boat Show Gets Going, but it’s Staying Put, Too–The boats are back, in more ways than one. They’re in town for the Progressive Insurance Atlantic City Boat Show, which will put 500-plus boats on display starting Wednesday and sailing straight through Sunday. Press of Atlantic City
A.C. Firefighters, State Battle in Court Over Layoffs and Contract Changes–A Superior Court judge in Atlantic City said he will decide soon whether to block the state’s overseers from cutting the city’s Fire Department to save the city money. The city’s firefighters are suing the state and met for the first time Tuesday in court before Superior Court Judge Julio Mendez. Press of Atlantic City
LoBiondo Won’t Vote to Repeal Obamacare Without New Plan–Representative Frank LoBiondo said Tuesday he will not vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act if a new replacement plan is not ready to be enacted. LoBiondo, who voted against then-President Barack Obama’s signature health care legislation in 2010, said the American people were promised a replacement would come without “people getting kicked to the curb.” Press of Atlantic City
Christie will shut down 250-inmate N.J. prison unit–TRENTON -- New Jersey will close a minimum security prison facility in southern New Jersey, Gov. Chris Christie announced in his annual budget address on Tuesday. NJ.com
Damon Tyner nominated as new Atlantic County prosecutor–Gov. Chris Christie has nominated Superior Court Judge Damon Tyner to serve as the next Atlantic County prosecutor. Press of Atlantic City
Cape Sheriff’s Office looking to partner with feds on deportation–Federal immigration authorities are reviewing a request by the Cape May County Sheriff’s Office to enter a controversial program that delegates enforcing immigration law to local departments. Press of Atlantic City
Vineland council approves huge raises for itself, mayor–VINELAND — City Council voted Tuesday to double its municipal government salary, and that of the mayor, by next year. Press of Atlantic City
Christie will shut down 250-inmate N.J. prison unit–TRENTON -- New Jersey will close a minimum security prison facility in southern New Jersey, Gov. Chris Christie announced in his annual budget address on Tuesday. NJ.com
Damon Tyner nominated as new Atlantic County prosecutor–Gov. Chris Christie has nominated Superior Court Judge Damon Tyner to serve as the next Atlantic County prosecutor. Press of Atlantic City
Cape Sheriff’s Office looking to partner with feds on deportation–Federal immigration authorities are reviewing a request by the Cape May County Sheriff’s Office to enter a controversial program that delegates enforcing immigration law to local departments. Press of Atlantic City
Vineland council approves huge raises for itself, mayor–VINELAND — City Council voted Tuesday to double its municipal government salary, and that of the mayor, by next year. Press of Atlantic City