Loretta Weinberg calls for disclosure by pro-union Working Families United for New Jersey

by: Rosi Efthim

Tue Mar 29, 2011 at 03:18:26 PM EDT

I just wanted to pull up a Washington Post article I came across a couple days ago. It's about the formation of a new 501(c)4 advocacy group called Working Families United for New Jersey, formed by a coalition of unions organizing to oppose Chris Christie's efforts to undermine collective bargaining, and specifically to balance New Jersey's budget on the backs of public employee union members.

You can understand it. We've seen teachers vilified by this governor as turning kids into "drug mules," heard him use the word "rich" only to describe the compensation of public workers and not of the wealthiest New Jerseyans whose lives he helps make cushy, watched him call police and firefighters, who daily are prepared to rush into danger to save our lives, "greedy".

But what sticks about this story is that Working Families United doesn't plan to release its donor list any time soon. And that should them on the same footing as Chris Christie's much-maligned (broadly in the press, with good reason) Reform Jersey Now and Center for a Better New Jersey. We've called both those groups slush funds, for want of a better term to describe their murky non-disclosure of donors (RJN disclosed as it "dissolved" and the list revealed questionable pay-to-play problems). It should put them on the same footing as the GOP slush funds. But we haven't heard a lot of outrage from Democrats.

Loretta Weinberg, who enjoys considerable union support herself, is speaking out for transparency in Working Families United's dealings. Weinberg applies the same ethical yardstick to transparency issues on "her" side as she does to the pro-Christie/GOP groups. Washington Post notes she was the only Democrat who spoke out early:

I would still say transparency is what we should all be interested in and would apply the same standard to them," Weinberg said. "I believe there is nothing wrong with telling people who is giving to your organization and what you're spending money on.

Uh-huh.

E3 and the Education Lobbying Business

by: Bill Orr

Tue Mar 15, 2011 at 12:30:00 PM EDT

Less attention was paid to Newark-based Excellent Education for Everyone (E3) which advocates for choice and vouchers. Its most recent available financial report (form 990) for 2009 indicates the organization's total expenditures were $1.9 million. E3 reported to ELEC the second highest communications outlay in 2010 of  $459,000. This represents a staggering almost ten fold increase over its 2009's expenditure of  $50,000. And E3 is only one of many NJ groups advocating similar principles.

E3, its Executive Director Derrell Bradford, and its 2009 lobbyist Henry Levari worked strenuously for bill S1073 (A355) to establish an interdistrict public school choice program, which was signed into law by Governor Christie last year. They are now lobbying for S1872 (A2810) "Opportunity Scholarship Act" which would effectively create New Jersey's first private school voucher program. The bill passed an Assembly committee but there remain differences with the Senate version. Strong supporter Governor Christie also appointed E3's Derrell Bradford to the nine-person Educator Effectiveness Task Force which on March 3 made recommendations including a new teacher evaluation system and principal evaluation system.

Frustrated parents, concerned educators, lobbyists, consultants, and for-profit companies seeking to increase their education portfolio are forming a powerful phalanx. My experience with charter schools has been limited to interactions with a non-profit group over a 12 month period which was seeking to open such a facility. In this instance I was surprised how little discussion there was regarding curriculum and quality and how much attention was focused on financials and the opportunity to generate income for the parent organization. Not all charters are founded on the same principle, but the predominance and preemininence of public school education are increasingly under severe challenge by well-heeled advocates for a new business model.    

A Man To Watch: Mike DuHaime - A Key Christie Operative

by: Bill Orr

Sat Feb 19, 2011 at 08:30:00 AM EST

        He's a remarkable talent. This guy has a lot of raw talent. He's just got great judgment. - Karl Rove talking about Mike DuHaime in 2008

Governor Christie who appears to be his own man, speaking from his seemingly singular gut with ideas that he says are his own, has in fact benefited tremendously from the skills and advice of key advisors. One such advisor is Mike DuHaime, who after serving in key positions in three national presidential campaigns, went on to become the lead strategist for Christie's victory in 2009. DuHaime's influence has been recognized in the press by both PolitickerNJ and TIME. He was ranked number 7 on PolitickerNJ's 2010 Power List following Bill Palatucci, Mary Pat Christie, Jeff Chiesa, Steve Adubato, Rich Bagger, and David Samson. In 2010 TIME listed DuHaime in its "40 under 40" where his comments were indistinguishable from those of his boss: "The most overlooked issue these days is the unsustainable escalating costs of pensions, benefits and salaries associated with a public workforce."

This week we heard comments from DuHaime complimenting Christie following his speech to the American Enterprise Institute in Washington,"He didn't go seek the attention. He did big things and then went and talked about it. He's completely turned Trenton upside down." Duhaime appears confident but self-deprecating, humble, likable and measured - the opposite of Christie. However, he does not act entirely behind the scenes and has spoken in public occasionally helping us to understand his influence better. Among other matters he has weighed in on strategy in the governor's campaign, Reform Jersey Now, and has been teaching a popular course on "Political Campaigning" at Rutgers with Maggie Moran, his Democratic counterpart during the Christie-Corzine campaign.

More beneath the fold

Shadow Armies Eviscerate Campaign Disclosure and Pay-To-Play Rules

by: Bill Orr

Sun Feb 13, 2011 at 10:30:00 AM EST

New Jersey has at least two such Republican shadow groups: Reform Jersey Now, which says it ceased its operations after raising $624,000, and The Center for a Better New Jersey which is still operating.  Both hew close to Governor Christie's agenda, and the latter seems most active in influencing a favorable Republican outcome in the current redistricting process. Both groups gain the advantage of not having  to disclose their donors while they operate  at the margins of two IRS requirements and wreak havoc on our pay-to-play laws.

more below

Big Federal Contract for Massive Immigration Detention Center - Is it Worth the Money?

by: koleary

Tue Feb 08, 2011 at 12:43:54 PM EST

At their February 9th meeting, the Essex County Freeholders will be voting on a contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) regarding a proposed a new 2,700 bed facility in Essex County.  This facility would constitute a significant expansion to the immigration detention system, more than doubling the current number of immigration detention beds currently in NJ.  

What everyone needs to understand about immigration enforcement and detention is that it is a system that is flawed, that is extremely costly, that it separates families and that it negatively impacts our local economies and communities.  

Outrage in the "New" New Jersey!

by: Senator Loretta Weinberg

Mon Feb 07, 2011 at 09:13:00 AM EST

A New Jersey Congressman is pushing a bill to re-define rape. Our New Jersey Governor  speaks before a pro-life rally and then vetoes a bill which would give medicaid coverage to poor women needing health care.  A Democratic Assembly Committee releases a private school voucher bill which will pay state money for youngsters already in (read not failing) private schools. I guess I'm not used to having New Jersey guys (and gals) like these actually in charge.

There's a New Jersey State Treasurer who refuses to appear before the Assembly Budget Committee.  A New Jersey State Commissioner of Health won't appear before the Senate Health Committee and won't send a senior staffer in her stead.

The New Jersey Governor nominated and the Senate confirmed private school advocates as members to the State Board of Education, one of whom had no idea what Abbott vs. Burke was. Service on the board of the Peck School seemed to be the main prerequisite for this appointment.  I wonder how many vouchers will be extended to kids from failing schools to attend that same Peck School? A New Jersey Governor cuts funding for pre-school while claiming he is "passionate" about education.

Two new members of the New Jersey Highlands Commission have been nominated who do not believe in the Highlands preservation law.  

more "new" outrage below.

QoTD: "Curry Favor" Edition

by: Rosi Efthim

Fri Jan 21, 2011 at 01:01:32 PM EST

Weinberg's got big questions for Bayonne Medical Center, who forked over $25,000 to Reform. That sent up red flags for Weinberg, who's a sponsor of a bill (S1468) requiring for-profit hospitals to disclose more info about both their finances and investments. Weinberg told The Jersey Journal (via nj.com) she's not buying the hospital CEO's fish story (given to politickernj) that the $25K was to bolster "public policy that will enhance the ability of hospitals".

Why? Because where does it say that Reform Jersey Now supports health care? Because Reform used its cash to put out robo-calls & mailers against Asw Connie Wagner, who sponsors that hospital tranparency bill in the Assembly? And in a one-hospital town maybe that hospital spending serious coin on a political group, as Wagner points out is worth discussing, particularly for the locals, who don't get much choice of hospital in their time of need, and have to pay what the Medical Center charges as the watch their money go into Christie's privately-controlled fund.

Maybe this is Bayonne Medical Center's real story. Weinberg:

I believe the donation was designed to curry favor with current administration. There was not one mention of health care in Reform Jersey Now's mailings, and not one in its mission statement. The idea that the group had something to do with health care is implausible.

For the record, Bayonne Medical Center's CEO Daniel Kane said he had "no specific comments" on how Reform Jersey Now had supported health care but said Weinberg's allegations are unfounded. Maybe this story would go down better if Reform Jersey Now didn't cloak its activities, or could point to one shred of health care public policy it worked on with Bayonne Medical Center's cash. Maybe people struggling to pay family medical bills there would like to know what the hospital's really buying from Christie's slush fund, as their bills go up.  

The Center for a Better New Jersey

by: Bill Orr

Tue Jan 18, 2011 at 12:48:01 PM EST

more below the fold

News Roundup & Open Thread for Tuesday, January 11, 2011

by: Bill Orr

Tue Jan 11, 2011 at 08:26:28 AM EST

Meanwhile FDU poll now shows Christie's favorable-to-unfavorable opinion rating is 47%-39%. 53% of voters approve of the way he is handling his job as governor, while 36% disapprove.

Then later today you can get out your shovel or snow blower as our winter wonderland adventure is expected to resume.

In spite of tough questions from Weinberg, Sarlo, and Girgenti
Reform Jersey Now Treasurer Ron Gravino wins committee approval (7-5) as a Turnpike Commissioner.

Legislature abolishes COAH, 2.5% fee on commercial development,
and reduces some municipalities' obligations to provide housing for low- and moderate-income families.

Progressive Assemblyman Dan Benson (D-Hamilton) takes oath of office,
and assumes position formerly held by now Sen. Linda Greenstein.

'Back to Work' and more, below the fold.

Loretta Weinberg calls for investigations of Christie's 'Reform Jersey Now'

by: Rosi Efthim

Tue Jan 04, 2011 at 03:59:34 PM EST

Senator Weinberg today called on US Attorney Paul Fishman and Attorney General Paula Dow for a full investigation of Reform Jersey Now, citing concerns the group was organized with the specific goal of subverting federal and NJ campaign finance laws; also NJ pay-to-play laws. In letters to Fishman & Dow, Weinberg says an investigation is warranted because Reform Jersey Now appears to have been "a Republican-controlled entity (designed) to circumvent campaign finance and pay to play laws." Weinberg also said there are concerns that the group "could have facilitated quid pro quo arrangements" between the administration and would-be state contractors.

Letter to AG Paula Dow. Letter to US Atty Paul Fishman.

Among contributors causing concern, Weinberg cites 2 highest-level donors, Ferreira Construction & George Harms Construction. Both gave $25K and received state transportation contracts in excess of $300 million. Another contribution of $1K from comes from Earle Asphalt Company, which has run afoul of NJ pay-to-play rules. Weinberg:

From its inception, Reform Jersey Now has sought to take advantage of every loophole under state and federal law and has blurred the line between lawful and unlawful conduct. Its contempt for our pay to play and other anti-corruption laws has opened the door to abuse and quid pro quo transactions. There is little doubt that by coordinating its efforts with prominent Republicans and openly soliciting contributions from contractors, Reform Jersey Now has violated the spirit of the law. The question remains, however, whether it violated the letter of the law.

Weinberg also challenges Gov. Christie's claims that the group organized to privately propel his own agenda ever actually had a real "reform" agenda, given its refusal to disclose where its money was going, and given the fact its board included Christie Todd Whitman, whose pension bond scheme exploded NJ debt, and Donald DiFrancesco whose 9% pension increase was pushed through without providing a way to pay for it.  

Reform Jersey Now donors unmasked (partially)

by: Rosi Efthim

Wed Dec 29, 2010 at 10:25:56 PM EST

Was this list released today to divert attention from Chris Christie's irresponsible decision to leave the state to avoid handling a messy snow emergency? The governor's due back in New Jersey tomorrow.

After months of editorials harshly criticizing the fund's obvious design to elude campaign finance laws created for the purpose of greater transparency in government, Reform is closing up shop. Rather than adhere to those rules, the architects of Reform chose to operate instead - legally, but probably unethically - under IRS rules. Creating Reform under those rules meant the fund was not technically obligated to show its finances or follow contribution limits adhered to by most politicians, such as those created to avoid pay-to-play advantages.

In a memo Reform released today, 244 donors are listed - including the core 15 - combining for a total raised of $623,784. Read the entire list here.

Missing is a list of the fund's expenditures, so New Jerseyans can follow the impact of the private financing of the slush fund's activities. For the most part, Reform acted in secret, but some of its projects are known: radio ads in June supporting Christie's property tax agenda (and in no way making clear that the support came from a group organized around the governor), and a direct mail & robo-call campaign directed at Democratic lawmakers like senators Steve Sweeney and Paul Sarlo. Reform had a half-year life, and will shut down Friday.

Among the top contributors:

A Triad Multiplying Wealth for the Wealthiest and Leaving the Rest in the Dust

by: Bill Orr

Mon Dec 13, 2010 at 03:00:00 PM EST

America's slow, steady slide toward economic oligarchy has been neither beyond human control nor bereft of resistance.  It is about how the "Have-It-Alls" have managed to restructure the economy to shift the risks of their economic playground downward saddling Americans with greater debt, tearing new holes in the safety net, and imposing broad financial risks on workers, investors and taxpayers. We find that most Americans experienced extremely modest gains over the last 30 years in which the rewards at the top multiplied. From 1979 until the eve of the great recession the top 1% received 36% of all gains in household income. In 2009 at the 38 biggest financial companies investors and executives earned $140 billion." - WINNER TAKE ALL POLITICS: How Washington Made the Rich Richer and Turned Its Back on the Middle Class by Jacob Hacker and Paul Pierson (Simon & Schuster - Sep. 2010)

Policy research and setting, the first leg in the triad, does not easily grab the attention of the general public or the media, but its influence is everywhere. The anti-gay marriage policy and talking points were framed in part by the NJ Family Policy Council and used throughout the debate. David Evans, Advisor to Drug Free America Foundation sent out a mass email on proposed policies to make the medical marijuana law even more restrictive, and his arguments and talking points were used word-for-word by people testifying during the legislative resolution hearing. The Tax Foundation develops NJ financial data which has been used for a variety of causes benefiting the wealthy.

There's more about special interest groups, governmental institutions, how the correct path is not always clear, and the trend remains unabated.  

(D)eform Jersey Now

by: Bill Orr

Sun Oct 17, 2010 at 10:30:00 AM EDT

It was in June when we first heard about Reform Jersey Now (RJN). On the airwaves it called for Speaker Oliver to hold a vote on Christie's then 2.5% cap on property tax increases. This 501 (C) (4) organization went on to solicit $25,000 donations from persons to attend events featuring Governor Christie. It also set up its own website to accept contributions. Yet little is known about this shadow operation.

Luminaries and big time Christie donors appear on the website as members of the Advisory Board. From information on the site and the AG's Charitable Registration Section additional names can be unearthed. As with other 501 (C) (4) groups it was possible to dig into specific records. Some statements on RJN's site seem at odds with reality. As a (501 (C) (4) it can do extensive lobbying, engage in political campaign activity, and accept donations from any source - corporate, individual, or foreign - in unlimited amounts, including from state contractors, without disclosing the names of its donors.

RJN on its website says it is "not affiliated with any political group or committee." However, it supports only Republican causes and Governor Christie in particular. Its Advisory Board consists of Chuck Shotmeyer, President, (a recent Christie nominee to a state commission), former Governors Whitman and DiFrancesco, former Congressman Mike Ferguson (Christie advisor), William J. Palatucci, Esq. (Christie advisor and Sr. V.P. for Community Education Centers which does extensive business with the State), and other noted fundraisers, advisors and donors: Joseph Buckelew, Mitchell Modell, David Norcross, and Candace Straight. The contact address on the website using reverse White Pages turns out to be the home of John Visconi, who previously worked on Republican Bill Baroni's election campaign, has specialties in election law and campaign finance, and has served as Law Clerk at Michael J. Lunga, Esq., LLC.

The RJN website unsurprisingly features photos and videos of Christie and promotes his policies. In the donation section the site says recent contributions were "dedicated to its public policy purpose." It also indicates, "Information filed with the Attorney General concerning this solicitation and the percentage of contributions received may be obtained from the N. J. Attorney General." However, RJN's AG file (Charity Registration Number: CH3286200) indicates no reported income nor expenses. The file does provide an RJN address which turns out to be the home of Ronald Gravino, another nominee for a state commission, who served as Treasurer for Christie's campaign. Further checking with N. J. Election Law Enforcement Committee's campaign financing and lobbying disclosure site and Guidestar's IRS data site provided no reporting of financials nor any records for RJN.

The above sheds more light on this shadow group, but indicates it still operates in almost darkness. As Sen. Barbara Buono said, "Groups like Reform Jersey Now need to live up to a higher ethical standard." Democratic State Party Chairman Wisniewski has stated, "Any Republicans that claim interest in reform should immediately demand that Reform Jersey Now release its donors and expenditures." In addition to federal action on 501 (C) (4)'s, it's time for the NJ legislature to shine a spotlight on this organization, which by its secrecy is deforming rather than reforming Jersey.

"Consequences of Christie"

by: Rosi Efthim

Mon Oct 04, 2010 at 05:46:31 PM EDT

Our Long, Hot Summer

by: Bill Orr

Wed Aug 04, 2010 at 11:16:50 AM EDT

                                     "We're having a heat wave,
                                     A tropical heat wave,
                                     The temperature's rising,
                                     It isn't surprising."
                                                       (Irving Berlin)

NJ's long, hot summer has been made all the more unpleasant by a governor, bursting with self-aggrandizement, who refuses to budge (for "financial reasons" he says) on family planning clinics, continues to flog his divisive "Tool Kit," meddles with medical marijuana, vetoes a homebuyer tax credit, hints he won't make a pension plan payment next year, amazes us with his non-transparent Reform Jersey Now affairs, issues half-baked commission reports, and disputes the OLS projection of another $10.5 billion deficit next year.

One has to hold a certain admiration for his abilities. He is able to maintain party discipline with Republican legislators toeing the line. He is a media darling in national circles. He is flexible enough to "find" the money when it's absolutely necessary for him. For better or generally for worse, he has cut the budget and tax rebates, decreased monies to municipalities, mistreated an un-tenured Supreme Court member, stood firm against a higher millionaire's tax, capped property tax hikes and school superintendent pay, and unrelentingly taken on teachers. So far he retains about the same level of popularity among voters.

I wish him a long and happy out-of-state vacation.  We all deserve a rest.  Maybe even the heat wave will subside.      

Tornoe's take on Christie's slush fund

by: Jason Springer

Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 03:45:00 PM EDT

Bringing "Advocacy Groups" Out of the Shadows

by: Barbara Buono

Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 10:32:14 AM EDT

By now, we are all aware of the "advocacy organization" Reform Jersey Now.

Operating in the shadows, this group is raising unlimited sums of money to advocate in support of Governor Chris Christie's policies and agenda. That's because 501(c)4 organizations like Reform Jersey Now are not subject to campaign disclosure requirements, pay-to-play rules or contribution limitations. This is a clear loophole in our campaign finance laws. And we must close it.

Reform Jersey Now needs to live up to a higher ethical standard. Many of these so-called "issue groups" are simply political machines marching under a different name and to a different set of laws. Allowing this disparity to continue would only render our campaign finance and pay-to-play laws useless. It's obvious that this organization is operating under the radar. Except, of course, for those times when they send out invitations detailing how supporters can navigate around campaign finance limits to support Governor Christie.

As Governor Christie is well aware from his days as US Attorney, New Jersey has an unfortunate history of corruption and high-dollar malfeasance. This checkered record costs our taxpayers their hard earned money and erodes confidence in our state government.  In these challenging economic times, when everyone is tightening their belts, we need to make sure every dollar is being spent wisely and within the intent of our campaign finance laws.    

AC Press on Christie's Slush Fund group: An end around campaign finance laws

by: Jason Springer

Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 01:54:42 PM EDT

It becomes more obvious by the day that this group - like others before it - represents an end-run around campaign-finance laws and was clearly formed to promote the governor's political agenda. At the very least, the public should know who is providing the money.

"Reform Jersey Now contributions are not affected by the pay-to-play statutes ... or by applicable executive orders," one recent solicitation reads. "Reform Jersey Now may lawfully accept donations from any source - corporate or individual - in unlimited amounts."

In other words, let the money flow. Including, possibly, money from businesses seeking state contracts from the administration whose agenda the group is promoting.

But there's a big difference between unions and Reform Jersey Now: It's clear where unions get their money. Voters have no way of knowing who is behind Reform Jersey Now.

Disclose them now.

Christie - who has touted his support for pay-to-play and other campaign-finance laws - should tell his pals to let the public know now who the money is coming from.

Feed the government what is healthy

by: Thurman Hart

Thu Jul 15, 2010 at 05:20:43 PM EDT

Lovable, huggable old Cookie Monster has it right - cookies are a sometimes food (check out his "healthy food" rap). If Cookie Monster was into politics, he'd be telling us that transparency is just as healthy for government as broccoli is for a growing boy. The Asbury Park Press is having to remind Governor Christie of that:

But actions speak louder than words. Christie continues to appear as a guest star at some of Reform Jersey Now's] $25,000 per-person soirees. That is unacceptable. Senate President Stephen Sweeney, D-Gloucester, hit the nail on the head when he said, "I'm not arguing when the governor says, "I got beaten up by all these groups.' But you knew who was beating him up."

Exactly right. And it should be noted that for all the pounding Christie took from the big, bad unions, it hasn't stopped him from getting pretty much everything he's wanted - or from pounding the unions right back.

The pay-to-play laws need to be strengthened. One of candidate Christie's "88 ways to fix New Jersey" called for exactly that, particularly when it came to the unions. Christie should use the bully pulpit and the power of his office to push for those changes, including changes for groups like Reform Jersey Now.

In the meantime, Christie should take the high road and separate himself from those who run headlong into whatever loopholes the law currently allows. To do otherwise is disingenuous and two-faced, and encourages a willful disregard for the spirit of the law.

The emphasis is mine. Because that is the heart of the matter. Allowing a person to know who is paying for a message tells them a lot about whether or not they should believe it. If you have nothing to hide; then there is no reason to hide.

Even if you're the Governor and his buddies.

X-posted from Garden State Politics

What do Chris Christie, his slush fund Reform Jersey Now and Jon Runyan have in common?

by: Jason Springer

Wed Jul 14, 2010 at 04:15:00 PM EDT