She was not terminated but voluntarily left after her ownership share, along with her fathers, was bought out by Katz, Lenfest and their partners. Famously, during the trial of state senator Wayne Bryant, we learned that the State of New Jersey had been doling out what government officials dubbed Norcross Grants. These were discretionary funds to be given to worthy causes. But if a Camden resident doesnt like what Norcross is doing, what recourse does she have? He might even have been prosecuted a decade ago if not for a bungled criminal investigation. On the Palmyra Tapes, between venomous howls, he sounds compelleda man overwhelmed by his own pace; Im up at four oclock in the morning to go to North Jersey to attend meetings, he says on the tapes. His dad knew success. On Oct. 25, AmeriHealth Inc. donated $1 million to the super PAC, which three days later paid back the $950,000 loan. George Norcrosss income source is mostly from being a successful Businessman. Not a chance. Norcross was named the second most powerful man in the New Jersey business world by NJBiz.com in 2014, 2015, and 2016,[14] and made the list's top ten list in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. So they set off to Vie, a restaurant on North Broad Street where Kenney was holding his victory party. computer technology from University of North Carolina, and eighteen months of Its a deep irony that Norcross, so often singled out for criticism in the media, routinely produces candidates who win newspaper endorsements from the Inquirer and Courier-Post. When DRPA issued its final disbursements in 2011, Cooper University Hospital received $6 million. Super PACs emerged after the 2010 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that enabled PACs to spend unlimited sums on political races provided the PACs didnt coordinate with the candidates benefiting from the spending. But, Trump should look in the mirror and say this slogan to himself. One would think there might be great joy in this life, coptering over the common man to make millions; telling the governor what you want and knowing hell pay attention; building a new cancer center and erecting a prestigious new medical schoolthe first in New Jersey in 35 yearsin Camden, the land he feels bound to by blood, the land that needs a champion like him. Wherever he can get it, he wants more., But the truth is more nuanced. But he knows his apparatus is always geared up to produce the result. persecution, how their familys assets were frozen, that he and his family they good education was to him and his family, that he went on to graduate from Trump still planting seeds of stolen election. With the exception of that climate, these amenities are the result of an effective Republican state government. I know I felt terrorized when outgoing President Donald Trump urged the unruly mob down the street to the Capitol to fight like hell. Then, some demonstrators put up a hangmans noose designed for then-Vice President Mike Pence, because he was doing his constitutional duty to accept the 2020 electoral votes in favor of the winner, Joe Biden. The neighborhood in which KNCA is situated is one where the most visible signs of redevelopment with massive building construction, home rehabilitation, and rising home prices are apparent. The money, however, wasnt used on an election. His eyebrows twist with real curiosity, and his eyes begin casting around, wildly alight, as if the answer to the Riddle of Him might be written on one of the walls in this Cooper University Hospital conference room. Donald W. Norcross (born December 13, 1958) is an American politician and labor leader who is the U.S. representative for New Jersey's 1st congressional district in South Jersey.A member of the Democratic Party, Norcross was first elected to this congressional seat in 2014, following the resignation of Rob Andrews.His district covers much of the New Jersey side of the Philadelphia metro area . At the podium, hes upbeat and charming. Thats the reality. And the stands they take on the issues reflect the values of any true blue-dog Democrat.. The image he conjures is of a political Transformer: Its a car! I wonder if the National Socialist Workers Party supported Adolf Hitler this way on his rise to power? We have estimated Both Doc and George need to be the top dog in the room.. She cant even call his office to complain. TRENTON, N.J. It took three decades for Democratic power broker George Norcross to build one of the most effective and influential political machines in the country. They were used only to support the Lady Gaga / Lenny Kravitz Camden Rising concert during the convention to showcase Camden, N.J. that was attended by thousands of convention-goers and delegates.. AmeriHealth New Jersey has close ties to George Norcross. Democratic power broker George E. Norcross III and his business partners have invested in projects along Camden's Delaware River waterfront that have benefited from nearly $290 million in tax credits and other incentives from the state. The massive number of government jobs and contracts that used to exist just dont anymore, he says. [5] He is regarded as New Jersey's most powerful unelected leader. The July 28 show on the Camden waterfront was sponsored by PhillyVoice.com, which is run by Donald Norcross' niece, Lexie, the daughter of South Jersey power broker George Norcross. Norcross rejects such talk as wild conspiracy theories. But heres the rub: Camden residents have no power with which to reject him. Philadelphians should be very, very wary.. Norcross launched the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, which New Jersey Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts praised for its "unflagging commitment to the city,"[20] and helped to facilitate the opening of the MD Anderson Cooper Cancer Center in October 2013. And so Norcross has turned his sights on all of Camden, Americas poorest city. He called his closest supporters the Can Do Club and lived by high-achiever mantras like Second Place Is First Loser. In a pivotal 1991 election, he worked with TV adman Neil Oxman and paid for $400,000 in commercial spots to dethrone Laskin, an unheard-of move in a state election. Fee said Conner Strong & Buckelew was not involved in the concert. The Turnout Project also got a $25,000 donation from Parker McCay, a law firm run by Norcrosss brother Philip, as well as a $25,000 check from Brown and Connery, where an attorney who has represented Norcross is a partner. The contribution to General Majority was in support of the concert and it was our understanding that is how the donation would be and was used., Roman said Amerihealth committed to the payment well before October., AmeriHealth Inc. did not advertise its sponsorship of the event, Roman said, because we saw this event as good for Camden and the region and not about us, which she said is also how we approached other civic events in the region that we supported.. Not even close. Bob Brady, characteristically blunt, says of Norcross: He invested in Jimmy Kenney for mayor. He then adds, without prompting, Ive known Jimmy all my life. 41. The Associated Press article, Christies Camden tax-breaks rewards political insiders (2015), details how over $2 billion in spending by the NJEDA may likely benefitting Christies and Norcross political cronies more than the city it was billed to help. It was the most expensive senate race in the history of New Jersey, which raises a question: Is this democracyor an auction? Discover George Norcross's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. (Norcross just recently said that he will relinquish the DNC post.). According to Vail Daily, Neil's grandfather, John, was a partner in a Denver law firm. Both the new mayor and Johnny Doc owe Norcross. Norcrosss insurance firm has secured government contracts in Philly in recent years, just as its done in Jersey. He cleared the way for his brother, Donald Norcross, to get a state senate seat in 2010 when then-senator Dana Redd was elected Camdens mayor, but Donald has since earned respect and an Inquirer endorsement. His promotion of a biomedical research facility and a closer allegiance between Rutgers and Rowan should yield greater academic status and potentially foster future economic spin-offs. Imagine if his relationship with Dougherty becomes as robust as the one he has with Steve Sweeney in New Jersey: Together, the two would utterly dominate Philadelphias political scene. They all will work with me, not because they like me, but because they have no choice. Despite having access to recorded evidence of Norcross trying to manipulate public hiring decision and contracts, Christie refused to pursue any investigation against Norcross despite the insistence of two NJ assistant attorneys general attesting to the validity of their investigation. Im not that expensive!. She was remembered as "a tireless advocate for senior citizens.". Norcross has been a prominent political leader in New Jersey for more than 30 years, since before he became chairman of the Camden County Democratic Committee in 1989, a position he held until 1993. (It was also extended, two years ago, for $500,000.) I told him Id do whatever I can to be helpful.. Look, says Ali Sloan El, a longtime city activist, George is for George.. Glenwood, Utah - Ellison Lon Norcross Sr. "Red" passed away peacefully at his home in Glenwood on January 5, 2021 at the age of 73. Many believe that in exchange for Christie not investigating Norcross and DiVincenzo, at a time when Christie showed a willingness to prosecute even minor infractions and perpetrators of the public trust including an Asbury Park councilman for getting his driveway paved for free. Christie allowed the two biggest powerbrokers in the state to escape similar investigative scrutiny in exchange for their tacit support for his gubernatorial candidacy, or at least, their less-than-zealous support for Jon Corzines re-election campaign in 2009. It didnt matter that when Norcross arrived, Kenney was minutes away from delivering his first speech as the presumptive next mayor of the fifth-biggest city in America. optimistic at best. Jennifer Beck, a Republican legislator from Monmouth County, has since proposed a bill to plug up this hole in the public trough. He was waiting for the right moment. Convention 2016 a division of General Majority PAC put on a fantastic free concert featuring Lady Gaga and Lenny Kravitz during the Democratic National Convention. at NYCDOE, as Office of School Design and Charter Partnerships. 162, No. Kenney tells me he has known Norcross for years (Fifteen, 20?), but he doesnt share any anecdotes or insights about the man. True to form, Norcross has accomplished all this in the dark, granting not a single on-the-record interview about these moves. These contributions were not made to a New Jersey political committee; nor were they used to influence any election, said Ezra Reese, attorney for the super PAC. Mayor, I ask, did you meet Norcross while working for Fumo? It truly would be near impossible to overstate the political reach and influence Norcross exerts in the state. The elder Norcross died in May 1998; his son's voice gets softer as he pulls mementos out . When the Philadelphia Business Journal asked a spokesman at PhillyVoice whether Norcross owned the site, he declined to confirm that or anything else about PhillyVoice. To this day, the website refuses to say whether Norcross was an investor. He recruited John Adler, a Harvard graduate, to run against Laskin in 1991. Outfitted in a suit and bow tie, Young George sat quietly in meeting spaces all over New Jersey. Now, I hear that the Republican National Committee is paying some of Trumps legal bills for his defense against a New York probe over his business practices. His candidates do bring a certain level of competence, he says. I think if you know George and you spend time around him, says one longtime friend, attorney Arthur Makadon, its obvious that hes just a man who is looking over his shoulder., George Norcross Jr., whom admirers called Big George and Chief, was a longtime AFL-CIO president. It was all so peculiar. We all want the same thing, whats best for the children. He has continued to contest the validity of the 2020 result despite numerous decisions against his court challenges to Bidens win, and a months-long vote recount in Arizona that still favored Biden. Johnny Doc, Kenneys most potent ally, was also Coryells fiercest political enemy. I regretfully do not have my fathers personality.. Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Claudia Vargas, in Plan for KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy in Camden approved by state, reported on the political dealings associated in the establishing of KCNA. George Norcross firm and partners got N.J. tax credits for Camden offices, years after task force scrutiny. He is, however, resigned to this fate. The problem, then, isnt that George Norcross is incompetent. Norcross has faced criticism for her leadership of the website and background, varying from being hired right after graduating college and possessing zero journalism experience to criticism over news judgment and for directing the website to highlight trashy gossip stories and clickbait over real, local news. Norcross not only made calls about the daughters treatment; he showed up at 5 a.m. the morning after the operation to visit the Paolantonios in the intensive care unit. The Southern New Jersey Regional Employee Benefit Fund, administered by Conner Strong & Buckelew, uses AmeriHealth New Jersey as a provider, according to its website. From 2014 through 2019, he was named one of New Jersey's most powerful people by NJBiz.com. [25] Norcross was also the subject of a federal investigation in 2016 where his phones were wiretapped. But murky as Norcrosss motives may be, his record is clear: Hes a conqueror. It was his daughter, Lexie Norcross, 33, founder and chairwoman of the website PhillyVoice and former head of The Inquirer's philly.com website, who "brought it to my attention," he said. But AmeriHealth Inc., the parent company of the health insurer AmeriHealth New Jersey, donated $1 million to a super PAC that has spent millions to help Democratic lawmakers. It partially paid for last Julys Lady Gaga and Lenny Kravitz concert in Camden, even though the donation was made three months after the concert took place and the companys sponsorship was not advertised. No city, let alone one with Camdens crime problems, has ever replaced half its force with such speed before. However, I think I am going to decline at this time., He declined your request for an interview both on and off the record.. And yet there he isinfluencing even the direction of their police force. Why would carpenters in Jersey give a damn about Kenney? [30] Norcross was listed as one of the state's wealthiest people, ranked 41st in New Jersey in 2015 with a net worth of almost $250 million. Still, Norcross asked State Senator Lee Laskin, a Republican, for a favor: Would he put Norcrosss dad on the New Jersey Racing Commission? She'd been thinking about her godfather and great family friend, the lawyer Martin F. McKernan Jr., seriously ill with cancer. Norcross has also benefited from his connections to the Delaware River Port Authority. Thats just how significant, how full of implicit meaning, a meeting with Norcross is. But perhaps the most alarming article for supporters of public education in Camden was an article published in the June 14th issue of the Reason Magazine, The Slow and Glorious Death of Americas Worst School System, where author Jim Epstein wrote: Within the next decade, the Camden school district is on course to enter a death spiral, sending the city the way of New Orleans, which has replaced all of its traditional schools with chartersPaymon Rouhanifard is probably the best superintendent Camden has ever had, but he wont be able to turn around the school system. Apparently, you can take the friend out of Jersey, but not vice versa. American businessman and politician organizer, It may require cleanup to comply with Wikipedia's content policies, particularly, Learn how and when to remove these template messages, Learn how and when to remove this template message, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Veterans Health Administration scandal of 2014, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Governors feud with party boss rocks New Jersey politics, by Ryan Hutchins, Politico, May 21, 2019, retrieved October 3, 2019, "Trump's 'Winter White House': A Peek at the Exclusive Members' List at Mar-a-Lago", "IN HONOR OF GEORGE E. NORCROSS III; Congressional Record Vol. 42 (Extensions of Remarks - March 16, 2016)", "George Norcross Jr., Labor And Civic Leader", "Carol C. Norcross, 84, advocate for seniors, matriarch of a powerful South Jersey family", "Norcross to be sworn in to House seat on Wednesday", "Philadelphia Restauranteur Plans to Open Two Restaurants Along Camden Waterfront", "MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper Celebrates Five Years", "Cooper honored for its Veterans VIP program", Partnership of Rowan University and Rutgers-Camden, "George Norcross: The good works of the Dark Lord (Moran)", "U.S. Attorney ends speculation about Norcross", "Attorney Kevin Sheehan is Mentioned in Reference to "Unregistered Lobbying" Found by NJEDA Task Force", "Judge Rules Against George Norcross Efforts to Stop NJEDA Task Force", "Governor's Task Force on EDA Tax Incentives", "George E. Norcross III, Executive Chairman", "South Jersey Democrat is Among the State's Wealthiest; George Norcross III made njbiz.com's list at No. (It was renewed last year, for $310,000.) the NJ Urban Hope Act of 2012. Plus this company, plus whatever else Im doing, and you know Im nuts, Im gonna have a heart attack.. He dabbled in Philly politics a bit. Funding. Former Inquirer reporter and current ESPN correspondent Sal Paolantonio, who plays tennis with Norcross, still gratefully remembers how his friend responded when Paolantonios daughter was admitted to Cooper in 2005 with a subdural hematoma. THERE ARE THEORIES. For our first meeting, at Cooper University Hospital, where he is chairman of the board, he dressed in a deep blue suit and French cuffs, his head topped by an avalanche of thick white hair. ", Fast-Growing Commerce Bancorp Counts On Political Ties, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=George_Norcross&oldid=1113690264, American political bosses from New Jersey, Short description is different from Wikidata, Wikipedia neutral point of view disputes from November 2014, All Wikipedia neutral point of view disputes, Wikipedia articles with possible conflicts of interest from October 2017, Articles with multiple maintenance issues, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 2 October 2022, at 19:54. had to flee Iran by slipping into neighboring Pakistan before finally settling Probably because he thought I would be a good mayor, he says. Johnny Doc wouldnt talk. And he denies the existence of the much-ballyhooed Democratic machine. In terms of his public history, these disavowals have always seemed the most disingenuous aspect of Norcrosss back pages, since his operation appears to hold great influence over government jobs, contracts and political fund-raising. In its Oct. 4 filing with the New Jersey State Election Law Enforcement Commission, the super PAC said it would dissolve its operations in New Jersey. In the months after, Christie would explain publicly, that he did not have sufficient evidence to bring charges against Norcross because the Palmyra Tapes were lost. But there is a larger portrait hereof the political operator as artist, and the artist as an aging, more reflective man. In a cool, calculated voice, Norcross brags about his influence with governors and U.S. senators: In the end, the McGreeveys, the Corzines, theyre all going to be with me. Weve got to make it safer here, he says, and weve got to improve the quality of education, or no one will move here and anyone who achieves any measure of success wont stay.. I meet with him in the Mayors Reception Room in City Hall, where hes holding a press conference encouraging Philadelphians to vote. Theres a great quote about Alexander the Great: He cried because there were no worlds to conquer, says one political insider. They werent as well-funded or as sexy, and they were backed by known entities: the teachers union and Johnny Doc. This would mean the world to him, Norcross reportedly told Laskin. That moment came in 2012. Stern. Additionally, many of the homes surrounding KCNA have either been purchased by Coopers Ferry Partnership or acquired through eminent domain. The issue is that he simply holds too much power for any one man, a state of affairs that South Jersey Dems experience intimately, always aware of whos sipping from the trough. Additionally, Lenfest announced today that Brian Tierney, the co-owner of the Daily News and Inquirer from 2006 to 2010, will serve the publications as a consultant as they move forward without Katz. Thats something Philadelphians can surely appreciate, given their citys lack of clout in Harrisburg. As the years passed, Norcross sometimes joked that he was different enough from his dadfierce and ambitious, where the Chief was gentle and content; feared, where his dad was belovedthat he wondered if he had been adopted or left on the doorstep. (Theres a good number of executives who are in the private sector, who I bounce ideas off of.) But Kenney doesnt talk about Norcross the way you talk about a person you really know. He is chairman of the board of trustees for Cooper University Health Care System and Cooper University Hospital both in Camden, New Jersey, and has served as a trustee since 1990. You can say an insider said it.. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. The Camden County Democratic party has ratcheted down its fund-raising in recent yearsincumbents dont need as much moneybut still ranks fourth among all the counties in the state, and when he wants a race badly enough, he flattens opponents under the heft of cash. That PAC in turn quickly cut a $725,000 check to yet another super PAC Building a Better Pa. That was the Dougherty-tied PAC supporting Kenney for mayor. Call 1-212-653-8737, My City Paper , mycitypaper.com Survived by his loving wife of 40 years Betty, daughter Lorna of Italy, 2 grandchildren Matteo and Sandra . The parameters of the agreement entailed that Norcross would to withhold support and endorsement for, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Barbara Buono, in exchange for Christie not campaigning for any Republican Assembly or Senate candidates in South Jersey. A childhood friend of Norcrosss, Sweeney is the New Jersey Senate president and vice president of the International Association of Ironworkers, and is widely assumed to be a big-time gubernatorial candidate in 2017. Norcross is the executive chairman of brokerage firm Conner Strong & Buckelew, where he has worked since 1979. if ever mentioned, by Rouhanifard was his time on his Teach for America affiliation, It's now a family affair at The Inquirer and Daily News.The daughter of famous/notorious South Jersey Democratic political boss and newly minted owner of both papers George Norcross is listed on the masthead as a "Director" of Interstate General Media LLC. Thats probably true, but its clear Norcross is becoming closer with Kenney. 79, of Phoenix, went to be with the Lord on December 13, 2008. After thorough investigations and significant media coverage, he was not charged. Further, Norcross began speaking of a then-hypothetical network of charter schools in Camden on account that saving Camden, would require saving its public schools, or at least having educational options open to its families. Norcross also remarked in Fall 2011 regarding Camden education, I think a material change could happen 24-30 months from now. Lexie Norcross, 26, was a controversial figure partly because of her age and relation to George Norcross. Thank you for reaching out. Following the passage of UHA in the winter of 2012, and the announcement of the state takeover of Camden public schools in March 2013, (that would not officially take place in June later that same year), the citys all-appointed school district set about finding a new superintendent to replace interim Superintendent Rueben Mills, who himself, was filling in during the last year of former superintendent Dr. Bessie LeFra Youngs contract. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). In the wake of the Veterans Health Administration scandal of 2014, Cooper announced a "Veterans VIP Priority Program" that provided day care to veterans in New Jersey's seven southern counties. At 57, George Norcross III is in impressive shape, with a trim gut and the sleek build of a man who keeps up regular tennis and golf matches. Since Norcross operates in the shadows, were left guessing about his motives. Norcross Jr. was active in the community of Camden and a board member of Cooper University Hospital. He wouldnt talk to me for this story. Never again will that happen. One of his longtime Jersey allies is Frank Spencer, a VP at the national carpenters union. within a city known for generational poverty and where 23 of 26 schools were (Interstate 195 in New Jersey is the highway that runs from Trenton, along the Delaware, across the state to the shore; essentially dividing New Jersey, geographically, two halves; North Jersey and South Jersey.) During the early phases of his What might Norcross actually do for Philadelphia? Ed Rendell says Norcross raised about $50,000 for his gubernatorial campaign: You know, nothing big. Norcross also had deep connections at the Delaware River Port Authority in the 2000s, where he likely brushed up against Johnny Doc and other Philly power brokers. So the risk is simple overreach. In 2001, Norcross was caught on tape trying to influence the appointments of politicians, judges and using pay to play tactics to influence the awarding of municipal contracts. "Yes, George is a friend of mine, but George is friendly with a lot of people in Atlantic City," Trump said before becoming president. But his power seems to yield various forms of return. Of Norcross, Rutgers University-Camden history professor Howard Gillette, in his 2005 work Camden After the Fall, wrote: The son of a powerful labor leader, Norcross had worked his way up the system, first by assisting several state legislators including Angelo Errichetti. Then, in 2013, the Philly-based Independence Blue Cross sold a 20 percent stake in one of its health insurance subsidiaries to Cooper. [6], Norcross is a member of the Democratic National Committee. That evening we had a dinner meeting with a potential business partner, says Hilferty, and we hear on the radio that Jim has won the primary. Ron DeSantis. [31] References [ edit] ^ "George E. Norcross III". speeches highlighting his time teaching in a primary school in a low-income, UNC-Chapel Hill, and during his time there was president of the schools The press in Jersey tracks Norcrosss every move as best it can, anyway. George Norcross slipped in through the back door. Illustration by Tim OBrien. Friends may call on Thursday, June 9, 2022 from 9:00 am until . George was loved by all and was known as the Gentle Giant. You can learn just by observing., Afterward, on the way home, Young George would pepper his dad with questions. From left: Bob Brady, Jim Kenney, George Norcross, Lexie Norcross, Steve Sweeney, John Dougherty, Ed Coryell (in water). He has three brothers: Donald, a United States Congressman representing New Jersey's 1st congressional district;[11] Philip, managing partner of the law firm Parker McCay;[12] and John, a psychologist, author, and professor at the University of Scranton. By working with Norcross by dealing with him Christie could infuse his term as governor with near limitless potential. Similarly, few could argue that as a result of their shared alliance, Norcross emerged even more powerful than he was prior to Christies election. teaching experience and lack of state credentials, his arrival in Camden had George Norcross, a wealthy insurance executive, has for decades run New Jersey's most vaunted Democratic political machine, a seemingly unstoppable behemoth that carries huge influence over who. The touring companies for Lady Gaga and Lenny Kravitz alone were paid $1.825 million. This is like therapy, he said at one point, before clarifying that hes never been in therapy. the NYCDOE website, the OPM, Office of School Design and Charter Partnerships Volks article explains that George Norcross, along with brothers Donald, and Phillip grew up in neighboring Pennsauken, and became exposed to politics through their father who was a local political actor and union leader. FILE - In this March 5, 2014 file photo, George Norcross, addresses a gathering at a groundbreaking ceremony in Camden, N.J., for a new kind of school that Norcross' family foundation will help fund. The money raised some eyebrows. At Kenneys inauguration in January, Norcross sat in the second row, with Kenneys managing director, Mike DiBerardinis, on his left and Donald on his right. [15] In September 2015, Norcross was announced as one of the local investors in The Camden Waterfront, a $1 billion development on Camden's waterfront initially developed by Liberty Property Trust and designed by Robert A.M. Well, Norcross maintains that he is less involved in politics than he used to be. A few political insiders suggest to me that Norcross would be a welcome counterweight to Dougherty.
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