The 2020 New Jersey Globe Power List identifies New Jersey’s 100 most politically powerful personalities.
This is an Insiders List. We left off all elected officials, with one exception, and anyone who had to go through a Senate confirmation – unless the person would make the list even without their government post.
We looked at every aspect of New Jersey politics and zeroed in on those who impact politics and government in the Garden State. [Read More]
Senator Loretta Weinberg’s 2020 Women’s Power List
“They are the Journalists who write about us; the Lobbyists who represent our communities; the Department Directors and Staffers who keep our state moving forward; and the Activists who keep pushing us. In other words, these are only some of New Jersey’s most Powerful Women.”
Welcome to the 2020 Insider 100: Power, where the basic infrastructure in this institutionally conservative state endures – but finds itself challenged by voters motivated to build a more egalitarian society. Certainly, the COVID-19 crisis altered life as we knew it, permanently for some, and reordered not only the way the survivors coexist, but the perspective from which we address our most pressing problems.
Against that backdrop, which felt more like an all-engulfing miasma, we considered the power players in this state and while ranking them gave particular weight this year to those who occupied the front lines… – [Read More]
Insider NJ’s 2020 Insider OUT 100 LGBTQ Power List
Welcome to InsiderNJ’s 2020 Insider OUT 100: LGBT Power List, our 3rd annual tribute to politically influential LGBTQs in New Jersey politics.
There’s a pandemic raging. This year’s list let us venerate some amazing, brilliant LGBTQ people, veterans of the AIDS crisis, harnessing and channeling wisdom and expertise to battle COVID-19.
Let’s always celebrate how far we’ve come since the days when AIDS ran roughshod over our community.
Thanks to last generation’s sacrifice, no one dies of AIDS in America anymore. Gays and Lesbians can marry who we want and also serve our country in the Armed Forces. And thanks to a recent Supreme Court ruling, it’s finally illegal to fire someone for who they love. If workplace protections completed the “boxed set” of goals LGBTQ activists set early last decade, can this decade be devoted to getting more Queer people elected to office? – [Read More]
2019 New Jersey Globe Power List
December 16, 2019
The 2019 New Jersey Globe Power List identifies New Jersey’s 100 most politically powerful personalities.
This is an Insiders List. We left off all elected officials, with one exception, and anyone who had to go through a Senate confirmation – unless the person would make the list even without their government post.
We looked at every aspect of New Jersey politics and zeroed in on those who impact politics and government in the Garden State. [read more]
Senator Loretta Weinberg’s 2019 Women’s Power List
December 12, 2019
“They are the Journalists who write about us; the Lobbyists who represent our communities; the Department Directors and Staffers who keep our state moving forward; and the Activists who keep pushing us. In other words, these are only some of New Jersey’s most Powerful Women.”
Insider NJ’s 2019 Insider 100: Power Publication November 19, 2019
Even in the worst circumstances in our impaired system of government, campaigns and elections condition power, and so you will find in the pages that follow a significant demonstration of augmented or diminished influence based on what happened on November 5th. As much as Trenton insiders attempt to insulate themselves from the turbulence of democracy, even the core of the establishment feels the jarring currents of what goes on out there on the streets and in the voting booths where reside the wills of regular people.
This 2019 Insider Power list blends both worlds: the players behind the castle walls and those trying to get inside, trying to give voice or expression to some political will at present underconsidered, or to some injustice unresolved. [read more]
The 2019 Insider NJ OUT 100: The LGBT Power List October 21, 2019
Welcome to Insider NJ’s 2nd Annual OUT 100 Power List, a tribute to influential LGBTs in New Jersey politics. I approached last year’s list as a one-off but the massive response demanded an encore edition. We’re happy and grateful to oblige.
This year’s OUT 100 Power List emphasizes LGBT office holders in New Jersey. That’s why you’ll notice the top 50 is mostly loaded with elected officials who also happen to be Queer. Sadly, none of those LGBT officeholders sits in NJ’s General Assembly, home to 120 state lawmakers, none openly LGBT. [read more]
The Momentum Continues August 2, 2019
Sometimes the new car smell lasts more than a few trips.
Bill Maer, a Democratic strategist at a bipartisan lobbying firm, said that, last year, everything on State Street was in high gear, with the new administration working through its first priorities. This year, nothing slowed down — and some of those early priorities are still being worked through.
Maer, partner with Public Strategies Impact, one of the state’s top lobbying outfits, said the fast-paced and challenging political dynamic coincides with a competitive moment for the business of lobbying.
Companies want help navigating a situation in Trenton that still feels new to them, even with Gov. Phil Murphy entering office at the start of last year, Maer said. As always, that provides lobbying firms with opportunities to pick up new clients.
“And, certainly, when there are opportunities to gain clients, there’s always the risk of losing them,” Maer said. “So, you have to be mindful of that.”
Maer added that he still detects some holdover caution from the economy’s last downturn. Businesses are still careful about their expenditures and want to get the most out of their money.
So, their expectations of lobbyists are higher than ever.
“There are a lot of good firms in the state and choices you can make … and companies want to spend wisely,” he said. “So, firms need to tell a compelling story of why they are better suited than all the others to resolve client issues.” [read more]
Wind, weed lobbyists top annual ELEC report March 5, 2019
Want a good barometer of which issues are hot? Look to the state Election Law Enforcement Commissions’ annual report of where lobbyists spent their money. This year it’s Wind and Weed. Senior Correspondent David Cruz is following the money.
Lobbyists spent just over $89 million to try to convince lawmakers to support or not support issues that were important to them in 2018. It sounds like a lot, but that’s down from 2017, which was a record year, and the first time it’s been under $90 million since 2014. [read more]
The ROI Influencers Power List 2019: Consultants February 28, 2019
The fact that he’s not officially in Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration shows just how influential he is. Murphy — and many other Democratic power players — value his insight. “He has more influence that most people think — and most people think he has a lot,” one insider said. There’s no reason to think his stature won’t continue to grow.” [read more]
The State of Changes: Updates on Hot-Button Topics January 23, 2019
Speaking to the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce was Joseph Simonetta, senior partner of Public Strategies Impact and executive director of the nonprofit NJ Tourism Industry Association. As an advocate lobbying for the tourism industry, which generates $42 billion in revenue for the state, Simonetta has a front seat on legislative developments.
An impactful issue for the shore is the new sales tax on “transient accommodations,” otherwise known as the short-term rental tax, that went into effect Oct. 1, but by most accounts has changes still under discussion. The law currently includes private homeowners who rent rooms for fewer than 90 days. [read more]
Southern Ocean State of the Chamber to Tackle Tough Topics Jan. 16 December 20, 2018
The Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce will ring in business year 2019 on Jan. 16 with the Southern Ocean State of the Chamber, uniting local business leadership with the information that will help navigate anticipated and recent legislation from state and federal government. The event will take place at The Mainland Holiday Inn, Route 72 East in Manahawkin, with registration beginning at 8:15 a.m.
Keynote speaker Joseph Simonetta, senior partner of Public Strategies Impact, will discuss marijuana laws, short-term rental tax, paid sick leave, plastic bag laws and more.
“If you are a business owner or doing business in New Jersey, this presentation will help you understand the changes that have already begun to change the economy in our state,” said Lori Pepenella, chief executive officer at the chamber. [read more]
New Jersey voters like Murphy, poll shows August 22, 2018
“These numbers reflect what the people of New Jersey have been saying for years: they are ready to move on from the Christie administration and the failed special interest politics that have plagued our state for so long,” said Brendan Gill, a political advisor to Murphy and the head of the governors (c)(4) advocacy group. “Governor Murphy came into office with a clear mandate to build a stronger and fairer New Jersey that works for every family in our state, and the electorate is clearly responding to the incredible job he’s done fulfilling that promise in his first seven months in office. Governor Murphy is moving New Jersey in a new direction- just as he said he would- and people across New Jersey are agreeing with that change.” [read more]
Behind closed doors, these are the 11 insiders shaping N.J.’s cannabis industry July 12, 2018
William “Bill” Maer, Public Strategies Impact: A longtime Democratic strategist, Maer has served as an aide to former Gov. James Florio, as chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr., associate executive director of the Assembly Democratic Legislative Leadership Office, and senior adviser to Governor Jon S. Corzine and Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg’s 2009 statewide campaign. Maer served as the spokesman for the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office for 16 years, as a strategist to the New Jersey Democratic State Committee and on Gov. Phil Murphy’s 2018 Law and Justice Transition Committee.
Public Strategies Impact currently represents Curaleaf New Jersey, a branch of the multi-state operator PalliaTech. Public Strategies Impact also recently announced a strategic partnership with the law firm Brach Eichler.
ELEC records show Public Strategies Impact took in $91,105 last year from West Ward Pharmaceuticals, $20,000 from DuPont, and $39,000 from Legacy Treatment Services, which provides support for crisis intervention, addiction recovery and other services. Public Strategies Impact also represents a number of professional associations, as well as global eyewear giant Luxottica, the Motion Picture Association of America, NY Football Giants Inc., and World Trade Center Properties LLC. [read more]
Send in the power players! Another N.J. marijuana dispensary hires a prominent lobbyist June 7, 2018
Public Strategies Impact announced on Wednesday it had formed a strategic alliance with the law firm of Brach Eichler to help businesses participate in the emerging cannabis marketplace in New Jersey. “‘Strategic Cannabis Solutions’ will form exclusive relationships with clients in order to advise, position, and advocate for them to successfully obtain state-required cannabis licenses,” the firms said in a joint news release. [read more]
Cannabis collaboration: Brach Eichler, Public Strategies Impact team up to help with licensing June 7, 2018
“In light of the complicated and heavily regulated nature of New Jersey’s cannabis marketplace, Strategic Cannabis Solutions brings a forceful multidisciplinary team of experts to the table,” Roger A. Bodman, PSI’s managing partner, said in a statement. “When the dust settles on all of the cannabis rules and regulations, we will advocate at every level of government to ensure our clients succeed in a highly competitive environment.” [read more]
Brach Eichler, Public Strategies form cannabusiness consultancy June 7, 2018
Brach Eichler and lobbying firm Public Strategies Impact formed a strategic alliance aimed at helping businesses participate in New Jersey’s cannabis market. The alliance, dubbed Strategic Cannabis Solutions, will form exclusive relationships with clients to advise them and advocate on their behalf to obtain cannabis licenses. [read more]
Brach Eichler and Public Strategies Impact Form Strategic Cannabis Solutions June 6, 2018
Brach Eichler, LLC, one of New Jersey’s leading law firms, and Public Strategies Impact, LLC, one of New Jersey’s leading lobbying firms, have formed a strategic alliance to help businesses participate in New Jersey’s emerging cannabis marketplace. “Strategic Cannabis Solutions” will form exclusive relationships with clients in order to advise, position, and advocate for them to successfully obtain state-required cannabis licenses. According to John D. Fanburg, Managing Member and Cannabis Law Practice Co-Chair, “The alliance of Brach Eichler and Public Strategies Impact will enable clients to strategically address both the legal complexities of cannabis opportunities and in close collaboration with Public Strategies Impact, enable clients to position their license application for success.” [read more]
Roger Bodman Featured on NJTV
PSI Managing Partner and onetime Gubernatorial Campaign Manager Roger Bodman was interviewed by NJTV regarding a recent Monmouth University Poll discussing fake news. Bodman gave thoughtful insight into the issue, which is a reason he has been on New Jersey Public Television as an political analysis for over three decades.
Brendan Gill Selected for NJBIZ Power List March 26, 2018
Perhaps no one is as responsible for Phil Murphy becoming governor of New Jersey than Brendan Gill. The Essex County freeholder and head of the full-service public affairs company, The Gill Group LLC, was an early addition to the Murphy team as campaign manager, helping to guide the then-relative unknown to the top job in Trenton. Gill’s experience as an advisor dates back to his work as a senior adviser to the late U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg, first managing his historic fifth re-election campaign and then overseeing all statewide operations. Gill also helped get Cory Booker re-elected to the U.S. Senate and served as his senior adviser. [read more]
Revenue Up 5 Percent for NJ Lawyer-Lobbyists in 2017 March 10, 2018
As has been the case historically, the revenues for the top 10 law firms that lobby, or have lawyers on their staffs, were dwarfed by the two biggest players: Princeton Public Affairs Group and Public Strategies Impact, both of Trenton, which saw 2017 revenues of $9.23 million and $6.16 million, respectively. [read more]
ELEC’s Ranking Of The Top Ten Lobbying Firms March 8, 2018
The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission released the top ten lobbying firms ranked by highest receipts. For the fifteenth straight year, Princeton Public Affairs Group, headed up by Dale Florio, reported the highest receipts among multi-client contract lobbying firms. Eight of 10 firms on the 2016 list remained there in 2017. [read more]
ROI Influencers: Power List 2018 February 26, 2018
Consultants: Brendan Gill. Gill made a name for himself as a stellar political operative and was a key figure in the campaign to elect Phil Murphy. His connection to the governor’s administration is strong enough to push him as a contender for a spot in the Top 25. [read more]
Hunterdon County Clerk Melfi to Take Oath of Office as Prez of NJAC January 25, 2018
Senator Kip Bateman (R-16) will administer the oath of office to Melfi and to NJAC’s 2018 slate of executive officers that include: Essex County Freeholder Brendan Gill as First Vice President, Cape May County Freeholder Marie Hayes as Second Vice President, Mercer County Freeholder John Cimino as Secretary/Treasurer, and Gloucester County Freeholder Heather Simmons as Immediate Past President. Following the ceremony, culinary art students from Hunterdon County Polytech will provide a terrific lunch to invited guests at the Historic Trenton Masonic Temple. [read more]
Brendan Gill becomes president of Essex County freeholders January 4, 2018
“There has truly never been a more critical moment facing local government officials than the one we face now,” stated Essex County Freeholder Brendan Gill during a speech he gave at the Board of Freeholders’ reorganization meeting this week.
Gill, 43, a longtime resident of Montclair, was unanimously elected to be president of the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders during the meeting, Essex County officials announced.
He was sworn into the position by Gov.-elect Phil Murphy, for whom Gill served as his campaign manager. [read more]
Year in Review: The Winners and Losers in 2017 December 29, 2017
We are closing the book on 2017, saying goodbye in a few weeks to our larger-than-life governor, Chris Christie, and saying hello to his richer-than-life successor, Phil Murphy. But it was an exceptionally busy year for virtually all the major players in New Jersey politics.
Here’s who came out on top and who could have had a better year in 2017. [read more]
Public Strategies Impact, BGill Group partner up December 14, 2017
Lobbying firm Public Strategies Impact announced a strategic partnership with Gov.-elect Phil Murphy’s former campaign manager and current Essex County Freeholder Vice Chair Brendan Gill and his firm, The BGill Group LLC.
“This partnership will be an extension of our relationship, expanding the specialties offered by both firms,” said Roger Bodman, managing partner of PSI. “Brendan has a diverse political background, with experience in public service and political campaigns, which has helped cultivate a unique skill set that will be tremendously beneficial to our team.” [read more]
Public Strategies Impact Team Up With Brendan Gill With Strategic Partnership December 13, 2017
Public Strategies Impact announced a strategic partnership with former Murphy campaign manager and Essex Freeholder Brendan Gill and his firm The BGill Group, LLC.
“This partnership will be an extension of our relationship, expanding the specialties offered by both firms,” said Roger Bodman, Managing Partner, Public Strategies Impact. “Brendan has a diverse political background, with experience in public service and political campaigns, which has helped cultivate a unique skill set that will be tremendously beneficial to our team.” Before Murphy, Gill’s earlier government experience is extensive. [read more]
Join PSI’s Joe Simonetta for an ArtPride New Jersey Webinar November 13, 2017
On Tuesday, November 21 at 2 p.m., learn how the recent election may impact New Jersey’s nonprofit arts industry. Join ArtPride New Jersey and Joe Simonetta, senior partner at Public Strategies Impact and government affairs advisor to ArtPride, for a webinar that will provide insight into the new administration and share the aggregate results from its 2017 candidate survey. [register here]
WHO’S UP AND WHO’S DOWN: Week of the First Gubernatorial Debate of the General Election October 12, 2017
WHO’S UP: Bill Maer Public Strategies Impact (PSI) Group this week announced the promotion of the former Bill Pascrell Chief of Staff to the position of senior partner. Joseph Simonetta received the same promotion at the company. [read more]
Public Strategies Impact promotes Maer, Simonetta to senior partners October 11, 2017
Trenton-based Public Strategies Impact, a legislative advocacy organization, announced it has promoted William Maer and Joseph Simonetta to senior partners. “Both Bill and Joe have distinguished themselves as proven leaders throughout their professional careers. Bill has worked in both the governmental and political arena for three governors, members of Congress, and the Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly. Bill’s Democratic credentials make him a true asset to our firm and client base.” [read more]
Maer and Simonetta Promoted to Senior Partners at PSI October 10, 2017
Public Strategies Impact (PSI) announced the promotion of William Maer and Joseph Simonetta to senior partners.
“Our firm’s three-decade history of being a premier bipartisan state and federal lobbying firm best serves our clients through both republican and democratic administrations. With the New Jersey gubernatorial election right around the corner, we are best positioned to continue to represent our clients unimpeded by changes in the political party that runs the State House,” said Roger Bodman, PSI managing partner. “Both Bill and Joe have distinguished themselves as proven leaders throughout their professional careers. Bill has worked in both the governmental and political arena for three governors, members of Congress, and the Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly. Bill’s Democratic credentials make him a true asset to our firm and client base.” [read more]
Matt Halpin Presents at Financial Service Centers Regional Conference September 22, 2017
Matt Halpin, Partner of Public Strategies Impact recently delivered a presentation at the Financial Service Centers Regional Conference hosted by NJFSC in Atlantic City. Mr. Halpin shared his expertise on legislation and politics, and their impact on the financial service industry. Mr. Halpin also discussed historical policy efforts and projected future trends as they relate to a dynamic consumer market.
PSI Makes NJBIZ’s Reader Rankings September 20, 2017
We are thrilled to announce that PSI ranked #3 for the Best Lobbying Firm in the first ever Reader Rankings from NJBIZ!
The Reader Rankings publication was developed to recognize the regard readers have for businesses in their community. “What makes the companies listed here distinct is the devotion they inspire among our region’s business leaders,” NJBIZ said. The publication received thousands of votes for the best companies in banking, education, employment, corporate development, professional services and more.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this possible.
Roger Bodman Featured on Eagleton Institute of Politics “The Morning After” Panel June 8, 2017 Thank you to everyone who attended “The Morning After” event on at the Eagleton Institute of Politics at the Rutgers New Brunswick campus. It was wonderful to have so many attendees come out to listen to the post-election panelists. PSI’s managing partner Roger Bodman, who spoke at the panel, had a great time discussing the New Jersey gubernatorial primary and other political points of interest.
Catch Roger on NJTV During the Debates May 18, 2017
Tonight, PSI Managing Partner Roger Bodman will reprise his role as a political commentator on NJ Public Television, where he has appeared for more than 35 years.
He will provide live commentary before the Republican debate, discussing each of the candidates, their political stances, and what strengths they’d bring to the governor’s office. Roger will be continuing to give election-oriented analysis throughout the election season.
The NJTV, NJSPOTLIGHT Gubernatorial debate tonight will feature the Republican candidates. Roger Bodman will be doing commentary as part of their multi-platform coverage beginning at 6:30 and 8 p.m. on NJTV.
Bill Maer Serves as Moderator for NJSBA Panel May 17, 2017
Bill Maer will be moderating the “Inside Trenton” panel today for the New Jersey State Bar Association. The New Jersey State Bar is having their Annual Meeting & Convention at the Borgata Hotel in Atlantic City.
The panel will update members of the NJ State Bar on legislative issues happening in Trenton. Attendees will learn what they need to know about where the law stands to better help clients, their practice, and their business. [read more]
Famous People in New Jersey Politics Who Started As Drivers March 26, 2017
When 22-year old Sam Weinstein introduced himself as the driver of Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli (R-16) at InsiderNJ’s launch party last week, Laura Matos of Kivvit made the observation that a lot of people started their lives in New Jersey politics as drivers.
In the words of another insider, “the driver always ends up becoming the mafia don, because he knows where all the bodies are buried.”
It got us to thinking about putting a list together of some of those individuals who got their start as wheel men, resulting in the following:
Roger Bodman
The Public Strategies Impact lobbyist and former Tom Kean cabinet member started in the political game as the driver of U.S. Rep. Millicent Fenwick. [read more]
Politifax: Passaic County: The Tipping Point II February 15, 2017
THE LEGACY. Republicans around the state often talk about the cadre of operatives who came out of the Bob Franks School of Politics. Less often noted is the group — almost all of whom are still around as consultants, party officials, lobbyists, operatives, and even electeds — who worked on the 1996 Pascrell campaign: Billy Pascrell, John Currie, Ed Farmer, Dave Fillipelli, Brendan Gill, Bill Maer, Joe Orlando, Nellie Pou, Al Spivey, and Joe Waks. Perhaps they, at least as much as the seismic shift in Passaic County’s politics, are the most lasting result of that 1996 campaign. [read more]
Another Thing Economy During Shopping Experience December 19, 2016
