Tag: Craig Coughlin

Dem legislators see no allies at redistricting hearings

Democratic members of the legislature were the only ones to speak in favor of a constitutional amendment that would change the state’s redistricting process at simultaneous public hearings before Senate and Assembly committees Thursday. The rest of the testimony, which took about two-and-a-half hours, was given by individuals and groups opposed to the amendment. The vast majority of those groups were liberal ones traditionally aligned with Democratic policies. “I guess
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Special committee hasn’t ruled out asking Murphy to testify

Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin, co-chair of the special committee investigation into the hiring of Al Alvarez, said the panel has not ruled out calling for Gov. Phil Murphy to appear and testify before the committee. “I don't think that anything is ruled out at this point,” Pintor Marin said. “Obviously, us going back today and having a discussion as chairs and with our attorneys and discussing the clear timeline that
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Sweeney will stay out of Alvarez probe

Senate President Steve Sweeney started to steer clear of the Select Committee’s investigation into Gov. Phil Murphy’s hiring of former Schools Development Authority Al Alvarez this week, much as he did during the Select Committee investigation into Bridgegate. On Monday, when the legislature formally created the more recent Select Committee, Sweeney deferred a number of questions, including ones on the timeline and scope of the investigation to Senate Majority Leader
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Select Committee will have subpoena power

The Select Committee investigation into the hiring of Al Alvarez will have subpoena power, Senate President Steve Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin said Wednesday. “Due to the sensitive nature of the issues, we anticipate everyone called to testify will willingly comply," the two said in a joint statement. "While we hope there will be no need to invoke the power, we thought it best to reserve the right to
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Coughlin names Select Committee members, Counsel

Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin announced the contingent of members from his chamber that will sit on the Select Committee investigation into the hiring of Al Alvarez by Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration. Coughlin named Assemblywoman Nancy Munoz the committee’s vice chair. Assembly members Angela McKnight, Pamela Lampitt, Verlina Reynolds Jackson, Gordon Johnson, Nancy Pinkin, Bettylou DeCroce and Holly Schepisi will sit on the committee. Joseph A. Hayden, a former deputy state
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MacArthur: Booker bill completely partisan

Count Rep. Tom MacArthur among the Republicans opposing a bill sponsored by State Senate President Steve Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin that would allow candidates to run for the presidency and another federal office at the same time. “I think they're passing a completely partisan bill to benefit one U.S. Senator,” MacArthur said. “I wasn't aware that we made laws today just to benefit one person. My focus has always
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