Is this altruism? ^ [1], PolitickerNJ.com, November 2014; accessed February 7, 2016. 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. And I wasnt permitted to. The massive number of government jobs and contracts that used to exist just dont anymore, he says. Or self-interest? 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. I have a dear friend who is a strict Democratic voter. In 2014, it landed yet another contract, worth $660,000, with the Philadelphia Housing Authority. That moment came in 2012. Notice of the issued tax credits was buried in a pair of Excel spreadsheets on a government website. Sure, Kenney has opinions on what hes done in Jersey. Meet the New Jersey Democratic power broker who praised Trump's - Salon THE STORY OF HOW Norcross built himself into the most powerful man in New Jersey begins with revenge. She was remembered as "a tireless advocate for senior citizens. teaching experience and lack of state credentials, his arrival in Camden had All rights reserved (About Us). (Norcross just recently said that he will relinquish the DNC post.). Norcross, scares his enemies, is enormously rich from public contracts with his insurance businesses [Connor, Strong, & Buckelew], and through loyalty of his political operatives, controls of the votes in the legislature and controls more votes in the state legislature than anyone else. It can be argued that with Governor Christies ascension to office, despite being a Republican, Norcross power only increased throughout NJ politics statewide, not just in South Jersey. Patricia Mueller, a friend of Norcrosss, is the treasurer for the Carpenters Fund for Growth and Progress. was tasked with: Developing and implementing structural changes to the portfolio of NYC schools in order to address systemic inequities and improve access to high performing schools. Jennifer Beck, a Republican legislator from Monmouth County, has since proposed a bill to plug up this hole in the public trough. Thats likely part of Norcrosss play in Philadelphia, but it would be uncharacteristic for him to stop there. Additionally, many of the homes surrounding KCNA have either been purchased by Coopers Ferry Partnership or acquired through eminent domain. Norcross studied the city. Look, says Ali Sloan El, a longtime city activist, George is for George.. 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. For many years, he has been named one of the most powerful non-elected political figures in New Jersey by the website PolitickerNJ.com. This is an auction. With the passing of the UHA and the renaissance schools that resulted, Norcross was able to execute his plan for influencing public education in Camden as well. According to its filings with the Internal Revenue Service, General Majority in June received a $950,000 loan from a company called WWB Holdings, which shares a primary address with Conner Strong & Buckelew, the insurance brokerage run by George Norcross. Georgina Cross, Author One of his longtime Jersey allies is Frank Spencer, a VP at the national carpenters union. In Jersey, Norcross cried because there were no more worlds to conquer., Then that person adds: Dont quote me on that. He availed himself to the political staff on state and local levels, including Mayor Redd and George Norcross making numerous public appearances at city ceremonies, athletic events, and ribbon cuttings. A Kennedy strikes a blow to New Jersey's most powerful political Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. 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. In Philadelphia, all eyes were on one super PAC in particular: American Cities, which was backing Tony Williams for mayor. Katz's partner Nancy Phillips, formerly an Inquirer investigative reporter, is now reportedly a special assistant to the publisher. He wouldnt talk to me for this story. Published as Norcrossing the Delaware in the May 2016 issue of Philadelphia magazine. The elder Norcross died in May 1998; his son's voice gets softer as he pulls mementos out . We both say, Lets stop by and say hi to Jim.. There was plenty of journalistic handwringing over the fact that a powerful political figure now partly controlled a major local media company. The Norcross apparatus, as he describes it, also seems a valid tool to use, whether the goal is winning a race or running a newspaper. There were two other super PACs in the race, both of which supported Kenney, but they got far less attention from the media. He one of the Richest Businessman who was born in American. 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. 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. if ever mentioned, by Rouhanifard was his time on his Teach for America affiliation, After thorough investigations and significant media coverage, he was not charged. Thats the reality. Stop the Steal is a clever Trump supporters slogan, intended to convey Trumps false belief that 2020 reelection was stolen from him. "Yes, George is a friend of mine, but George is friendly with a lot of people in Atlantic City," Trump said before becoming president. Rouhanifard has some great ideas, and we just hope he communicates with us as teachers. 1966 Luci Johnson Wedding Party Daughter President Politics Wirephoto 8X10 Photo. Central to Norcross plan, is a vast expanse of vacant land next to the Cooper medical complex in the citys Lanning Square neighborhood that once housed a public school until it was torn down nearly a decade ago, for a new one that has not to be rebuilt. So it never took place, Kenney says. At Catto, Rouhanifard also mentioned his desire to see a boarding school established in Camden, as well as a computer-based enrollment system similar to that which he instituted in Newark before his arrival. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. General Majority spent $8 million to protect Democrats majorities in the state Senate and Assembly in 2013, and $6 million on Assembly races in 2015, making it the biggest independent spender in those years. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Errichetti had appointed Norcross director of a reconstituted Camden Parking Authority in 1978 when Norcross was only twenty-two. Urban Educator Fighting for Public Education for our Communities and Finding My Voice in the Process, from Chapter 3 of Education Reform and Gentrification in the Age of #CamdenRising Public Education and Urban Redvelopment in Camden, NJ (2018, Peter Lang USA), George Norcross III and [28][29], Norcross has a daughter, Lexie, and a son, Alex. In talking about his career, for instance, he betrays no passion for the industry that provided his wealth. Norcross chose Pennsauken High School, his alma mater, and the private Lawrenceville School that his daughter Lexie attended. We will update George Norcross's Height, weight, Body Measurements, Eye Color, Hair Color, Shoe & Dress size soon as possible. Not even after the election? [22] In November 2014, Cooper and Norcross were awarded the "Seven Seals" award by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve in recognition of the program. Lexie Norcross, 26, daughter of former co-owner George Norcross, who lead Philly.com, has left her position, and sent a good-bye email sent out to colleagues over the weekend, spokesman Daniel Fee confirmed. True to form, Norcross has accomplished all this in the dark, granting not a single on-the-record interview about these moves. After thorough investigations and significant media coverage, he was not charged. I meet with him in the Mayors Reception Room in City Hall, where hes holding a press conference encouraging Philadelphians to vote. Neil's mom and dad, David Gorsuch and Anne . Kenney used to work for Vince Fumo, the once all-powerful state senator who in 2009 was convicted on 137 counts of corruption and other charges. Norcross has a daughter, Lexie, and a son, Alex. How power broker George Norcross and friends got waterfront land for cheap He wouldnt be where he is today without Norcross. And the first thing it allows him to do is climb over his own biases. Isaiah Wesley Norcross. No city, let alone one with Camdens crime problems, has ever replaced half its force with such speed before. But she is nowhere to be found on the corporate masthead. George Norcross's net worth The debate, at least in this instance, is over. 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. In a city like Camden, theres a sisterhood, brotherhood with Philadelphia. When he sets his sights on a target, he captures it. 41. That was hardly obvious at the time, which looks to have been the point. the NJ Urban Hope Act of 2012. [5] He is regarded as New Jersey's most powerful unelected leader. The mystery, the lack of accountability, the unanswered questions about whos influencing our leaders and to what end everyones worst nightmares about super PACs have been fully realized, right here in Philadelphia. 162, No. Theres no doubt Norcross has done some good works with his immense power: As chairman of Cooper University Hospital in Camden, he built the institution into a giant. Philadelphia regrets the error. Why is George Norcross' twenty-something daughter an Inquirer/Daily The Power Behind The Powerful - The New York Times The Lanning Square project was created by a formed partnership of KIPP, one of the largest charter school networks in the country; the Cooper Foundation, the charitable arm of Cooper University Hospital; and the Norcross Foundation, established by the family of George Norcross, who is chairman of Cooper University Hospital, a Democratic Party leader, and managing partner of the company that owns the Philadelphia Inquirer. Insurer's parent company, with ties to Norcross, paid $1M - POLITICO There was no quid pro quo there. He led the effort to create the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University and to partner with MD Anderson Cancer Center to create the MD Anderson Cooper Cancer Center, which opened in 2013. Next, Rouhanifard left the classroom and worked as a financial analyst for 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. I am not in the Norcross bubble, says Jay Lassiter. [2][3] From 2014 through 2021,[4] he was named one of New Jersey's most powerful people by NJBiz.com. Fee said Conner Strong & Buckelew was not involved in the concert. 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. educator, community, and student concerns. As for meeting Norcross's wife of 20 years, -Sandy, or their eight-year-old son, Alex no. He refuses to explain what hes up to, or why. Businesses and labor unions with close ties to Norcross spent vast sums of money to get Kenney elected, and have teamed up with John Johnny Doc Dougherty, the citys building-trades kingpin. He has close ties to Jersey carpenters. meeting all of the students needs, and a lot district waste. But before Rouhanifards arrival in Camden, he made a brief professional stop in Newark working as Cami Andersons Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer where he, like his time in NYC, expanded the charter footprint in Newark, closed traditional public schools, and instituted what would be a highly controversial computer-based universal enrollment system called, One Newark. Norcross was also the subject of a federal investigation in 2016 where his phones were wiretapped. It plants lawn signs! He formerly belonged to Mar-a-Lago, the club owned by former United States President Donald Trump.[7]. Phil Murphy this week won't just be a battle of words between the two Democrats. Correction: This article earlier stated that Lexie Norcross would be terminated when the sale of the papers was completed. Funding for the event came through General Majority, a Democratic super PAC that dominated New Jerseys legislative elections in 2013 and 2015. Norcross was with Dan Hilferty, the CEO of Independence Blue Cross, when he got the news. In another DRPA-related transaction, Norcrosss insurance firm received $410,000not for actually doing the authoritys insurance work, but for referring that business to another insurance firm, Willis of New Jersey. But as his career neared its end, in the late 80s, the entire South Jersey region still operated as a kind of beggar in relation to the north. He is a smart, competent man. Further cementing their respective legacies, concerning Christie and Norcross, speculation holds that an agreement took place, dubbed the I-195 Deal. This search result is here to prevent scraping, Exciting I-95 Capping Project Finally Begins In Philadelphia, Those Gummies May Not Have Contained Fentanyl After All, The Top 10 Things to Do With Kids in Philly This Month, Ultimate Guide to the 2023 Philadelphia Flower Show. 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. In 2011, the firm won a $300,000 contract with the citys Redevelopment Authority. John, son of John Norcross, Ribchester. I regretfully do not have my fathers personality.. We have estimated South Jersey business magnate George E. Norcross III and his family will become majority partners of a longtime Atlantic City bread and submarine roll maker next month. But can the guy with the cigar and the horns really save a city, or can he only serve himself? Norcross sued the State of New Jersey to try stop the highly critical report from becoming public. By evaluating access to high-quality schools, the demand for educational services and the supply of space available for those services, Office of Portfolio Management strives to develop the optimal distribution of schools and educational programs. During a sting operation, today referred to as the Palmyra Tapes, Norcross was recorded telling Palmyra Councilman John Gural, All the Governors will work with me. 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. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. The Chief died, in 1998, with that promise unfulfilled. Georgina Cross is the author of ONE NIGHT and NANNY NEEDED, Bantam, Penguin Random House, and the bestselling author of THE STEPDAUGHTER, as well as THE MISSING WOMAN and THE NIECE, Bookouture, Hachette Publishing. KCNA is situated along the still-developing eds and meds corridor, down the street from the forthcoming Joint Health Services Complex for Rutgers Science and Rowan Medical students, down the street from the Rowan Medical School, and across from Cooper Hospital. On Oct. 25, AmeriHealth Inc. donated $1 million to the super PAC, which three days later paid back the $950,000 loan. There, he found fair and reasonable taxation, beautifully maintained roads, lower crime, a thriving economic environment and a climate more suitable to his liking. While investigating a murder at the infamous burlesque hall The Star Room, George gets more than he ever thought possible from the talented and most desirable Nina . 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. The junior Katz is also the CEO of the similarly named Interstate Outdoor Advertising. 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. And the police forcewhich has at least temporarily waived the civil-service exam process in order to staff upwill become a giant patronage mill, churning out government jobs for good little Camden County Democrats. With the exception of that climate, these amenities are the result of an effective Republican state government. 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. Stern. For anyone who believed money already played too big a role in politics, this was a deeply disturbing development. 1966 Wirephoto Don Hull executive director the AAU spoke to Glenn Davis David L. Cohen, a Norcross friend for 25 years. It was all so peculiar. Philadelphians should be very, very wary.. [25] Norcross was also the subject of a federal investigation in 2016 where his phones were wiretapped. The press in Jersey tracks Norcrosss every move as best it can, anyway. A few political insiders suggest to me that Norcross would be a welcome counterweight to Dougherty. It took one night for the. Or consider the opposite: that he builds his base here, then ultimately takes on Doc. George Norcross Obituary George Addison Norcross was born on 27 October 1839 at Upton, Worcester Co., MA. He is a member of famous Businessman with the age 66 years old group. But his other moves in Philly went largely unnoticed: That same year, Norcrosss insurance company opened a new headquarters in Two Liberty Place, right around the corner from City Hall. Soon after Rouhanifard took the helm at Camden, a school district Friends may call on Thursday, June 9, 2022 from 9:00 am until . George Norcross firm and partners got their N.J. tax credits for Everything he was saying was just wrong, he recalls. He served on the board of and was the chairman of United Way. If you're a scraper, please click the link below :-) So the risk is simple overreach. As always, another excellent, well researched, article Dr. Benson.