The junior Katz is also the CEO of the similarly named Interstate Outdoor Advertising. But his power seems to yield various forms of return. The wonder Norcross conveys at his own zeal for confronting obstacles suggests that his restless journeying between political, business and social challenges isnt something he understands or perhaps even controls. As someone who remembers a nonpartisan, independent, courageous and honest media, the hypocritical, shamelessly partisan farce that has replaced that media saddens me and causes great concern for the future of our crumbling republic. Quick and entertaining New York City local news, events, food, arts, sports and more. The national carpenters union unilaterally removed him as head of the Metropolitan Regional Council of Carpenters. Hes long been criticized for doing insurance business with many of the governments with which he has ties as a political leader. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. The super PAC still has an outstanding $1 million loan from a company General American Capital, which Fee said is affiliated with WWB. Officer in the Office of Portfolio Management (OPM). deemed failing, he began a 100-day listening tour. 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. But that was just the beginning: He developed an elaborate plan to wrest Camden County away from the GOP; then he would move on to other counties, win control of their freeholders, and build alliances that could raise enormous sums of cash for his favored candidates for the state legislature. teaching experience at Public School 192 in Harlem through Teach for America. Apparently, you can take the friend out of Jersey, but not vice versa. For anyone who believed money already played too big a role in politics, this was a deeply disturbing development. The wiretapping ended quickly, however, after it became clear that neither Norcross nor the people with whom he works or associates did anything wrong or untoward and was given a clean bill of health. The carpenters likely had their own motives for donating so much cash to the elect-Kenney effort: There are plenty of suburban New Jersey carpenters who work on city construction sites. The press in Jersey tracks Norcrosss every move as best it can, anyway. Is this altruism? However, I think I am going to decline at this time., He declined your request for an interview both on and off the record.. He served on the board of and was the chairman of United Way. It is widely suspected that Christie, prior to his run for New Jersey Governor, struck deals with critical Democratic power brokers in the state, Joe DiVincenzo, County Executive of Essex County, and Norcross of South Jersey, to forward his own gubernatorial ambitions. "They Have No Choice" - Philadelphia Magazine computer technology from University of North Carolina, and eighteen months of 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. Susan Ann Norcross. Tierney returns, Lexie Norcross out at Inquirer parent But he didnt dive in. He played the role of matchmaker, of deal-broker. Is George Norcross helping Camden or himself? | Moran - nj.com Now, we learn that the great champion of South Jersey Democrats, George Norcross III, has declared himself as a Florida resident and, presumably, a Democratic voter there as well. When he sits down to talk about Norcross, Kenney suddenly looks like hed rather be someplace else. 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. This is not a 'will they, won't they' relationship- they do it when George goes to question Nina in her dressing room for the first time. had to flee Iran by slipping into neighboring Pakistan before finally settling Further current residents question whether their children, will, in the future, still be residents to even attend the Lanning Squares newest school, in the most rapidly developing neighborhood. Neither would Coryell, national carpenters leaders and many, many others. WWB Holdings is Lexie Norcrosss entity, the founder and CEO of PhillyVoice. Nearly two thirds of $1.6 billion in tax incentives in his hometown of Camden, New Jersey, went to his own company, business partners, political allies and clients of his . Since 2002, the Office of Portfolio Management has opened almost 500 new schools to provide higher quality options for the diverse needs of New York City children. One is simply that Norcross is moving into Philly because its good for business. But she also was accused of downplaying hard news in favor of fluff and tawdry. And Norcross plays an enviable role as both the highest bidder and the guy who reaps the greatest proceeds. Notice of the issued tax credits was buried in a pair of Excel spreadsheets on a government website. 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. Norcross remembers sitting in a political science course at Rutgers-Camden, a 19-year-old making mental note of his professors ignorance. if ever mentioned, by Rouhanifard was his time on his Teach for America affiliation, 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. 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. 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. George Norcross (George E. Norcross) was born on 16 March, 1956 in Camden, NJ, is a Businessman. And he does win. The family has plans to. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Norcross launched the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, which New Jersey Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts praised for its "unflagging commitment to the city," and helped to facilitate the opening of the MD Anderson Cooper Cancer Center in October 2013. Even as a memorial is planned for the late Lewis Katz, former co-owner of Philly.com, the Daily News and the Inquirer, new details are emerging about the deal he inked to take over the media portfolio just four days before dying in a freak plane crash. Norcross' daughter out at Philly.com; former co-owner will assist Daily A year later, theres no question: Norcross is now well entrenched in Philadelphia, and all signs suggest his influence will continue to grow. It was all so peculiar. Or self-interest? It will be a political firefight. NJ tax break winners gave millions to group linked to George Norcross The slight infuriated Norcross. I see starting in the next number of months, principally with the affiliations we have, and then the process of a new project will follow. In time, Rouhanifard showed himself to adept and aware of the political and media atmosphere in his new landscape. Norcross chose Pennsauken High School, his alma mater, and the private Lawrenceville School that his daughter Lexie attended. She was remembered as "a tireless advocate for senior citizens.". And by Tuesday morning, faithful surrogates including daughter Lexie Norcross and City Councilwoman Felisha Reyes Morton were savaging Altman in the signature style that has made the Norcross political machine famous, and feared. 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. "I wish I had that kind of power.". 1966 WirePhoto Actress Kim . WWB Holdings owns media site PhillyVoice, where George Norcross' daughter, Lexie Norcross, is founder and CEO. 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. White for eleven months and then moved on to the post of Chief of Executive Correction: This article earlier stated that Lexie Norcross would be terminated when the sale of the papers was completed. His body hangs forward, and he answers questions tersely, cryptically. Norcross was born on March 16, 1956, in Cooper University Hospital, Camden, New Jersey,[8] the son of George E. Norcross, Jr., the president of the AFLCIO Central Labor Union of Camden and Gloucester Counties, and his wife, Anne Carol Norcross. Copyright 2023 My City Paper :: New York City News, Food, Sports and Events. in Tennessee during the 1980s. 1966 Wirephoto Don Hull executive director the AAU spoke to Glenn Davis He is also on the Board for Holtec International that received $260 million; Phillip Norcross, brother of George, is CEO of the Parker McKay law firm that represented the Philadelphia 76ers in negotiating the teams $82 million in tax credits. Why would carpenters in Jersey give a damn about Kenney? George Norcross - Wikipedia 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. 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. He has served as a Cooper trustee since 1990. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Due to Katz sudden death the sale may not be closed as scheduled and Norcross has reportedly offered a 30-day extension. It was the most expensive senate race in the history of New Jersey, which raises a question: Is this democracyor an auction? John, son of John Norcross, Ribchester. It happened in the early 80s when he won his first big insurance contract, at the Garden State Park race track. But murky as Norcrosss motives may be, his record is clear: Hes a conqueror. Not even after the election? Georgina Cross, Author along with other district officials and local politicians set about hearing At the podium, hes upbeat and charming. None of these contracts have been publicly reported until now. Funding for the event came through General Majority, a Democratic super PAC that dominated New Jerseys legislative elections in 2013 and 2015. Last December, Amy Kennedy, daughter-in-law of the late US Senator Ted Kennedy and wife of former Congressman from Rhode Island Patrick Kennedy published a statement that she was considering running for the Democratic nomination for the US House of Representatives seat from New Jersey's Second Congressional District. Not because they like me, but because they have no choice. He talks about his legacy: No one will ever, ever again not include or look down or double-cross South Jersey. Neil's mom and dad, David Gorsuch and Anne . 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. 79, of Phoenix, went to be with the Lord on December 13, 2008. The best answer might be both: In fortifying Cooper University Hospital, Norcross ensures some vibrant legacy for his family. George Norcross' daughter, Alessandra, a director of the parent company of the Inquirer, is an officer of the foundation and a board member of KCNA." Further, both residents and reporters paid specific attention to the proposed, and eventual, location of the KCNA and the history regarding the demolition and refusal to rebuild the public . When Philly.com got word of the three-minute private meeting a few days later and posted a story, it set political insiders buzzing. Wherever he can get it, he wants more., But the truth is more nuanced. So the risk is simple overreach. Norcross bought the Inquirer, the Daily News and Philly.com in partnership with philanthropist H.F. Gerry Lenfest and businessman Lewis Katz. The Power Behind The Powerful - The New York Times He might even have been prosecuted a decade ago if not for a bungled criminal investigation. George Norcross slipped in through the back door. A few political insiders suggest to me that Norcross would be a welcome counterweight to Dougherty. At the time, recalls Norcross, four hundred grand was like $4 million.. 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. My friend still votes for Democrats, and lately has been lamenting the GOP administration of Gov. So the softer Chief also knew defeat: When the governor nominated him for appointment to the New Jersey Racing Commission, a Republican senator named Lee Laskin blocked him. 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. Brady says that if incumbent Democratic Senator Bob Menendez has an issue he was indicted on corruption charges last year I would do everything I can to help Donald Norcross.. Its not clear whether it will once again set up shop later this year. The Camden Rising concert, which was meant to showcase Camden to visiting delegates during the Democratic National Convention in nearby Philadelphia, also displayed the power of the Norcross family, with Democratic U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross helping to introduce the acts. Kenney submits city budget proposal with $6.1B in spending, Trump can be sued for Jan 6 actions, Justice Dept says, Lobbyist names Pa. lawmaker she says sexually harassed her, How the Daisy Jones cast went from beginners to bandmates, Everything you need to know about the 2023 Academy Awards, Jonathan Majors flexes his acting muscle, turns, Patience is key to success for new-look Eagles coaching staff, Meet the Eagles best kept secret: QB Coach Alex Tanney, EXCLUSIVE: SEPTA platforms could see major change, Dungeon suspects art, letters for sale online, Claude Giroux slowly working back to full strength with Flyers, Boldface October 1: A.D. Amorosi rounds up the local gossip, Valerie White, Senior Executive Director of Local, Calls from Moscow follows four queer Cuban migrants holed up, Anders Lee scores twice, Islanders use 4-goal 3rd period to take down. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? Months later in January 2012, the UHA was passed. 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. And as far as many carpenters were concerned, Philly carpenters boss Ed Coryell had gone off the reservation. He told me that he couldnt remember ever doing a taped interview with a reporter, and glared at my recording device, Lizza later wrote. But it does not define who he is., Norcrosss allies cite his intense loyalty. Kenney also recently reappointed Heather Steinmiller, a senior V.P. ^ [1], PolitickerNJ.com, November 2014; accessed February 7, 2016. He dipped his toes in the water. Beatrice Claubaugh Norcross Obituary (1931 - 2022) - Legacy Remembers He raised $2 million, for instance, for the 2003 state senate race that installed unknown challenger Fred Madden over incumbent George Geist. 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. In person, however, Norcross holds his ground. Governors kowtow to his enormous political power. In 2013, Cooper University Health Care in Camden, which Norcross chairs, bought a 20 percent stake in AmeriHealth New Jersey. A few months after the primary, Kenney was the featured guest at a fund-raiser for Norcrosss brother, U.S. Representative Donald Norcross. [2][3] From 2014 through 2021,[4] he was named one of New Jersey's most powerful people by NJBiz.com. son. Meet George Norcross. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. city educators and public officials, noting Rouhanifards young age, thin After thorough investigations and significant media coverage, he was not charged. Plus this company, plus whatever else Im doing, and you know Im nuts, Im gonna have a heart attack.. 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. [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. 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. Sure, Kenney has opinions on what hes done in Jersey. GEORGE NORCROSS OBITUARY. high-poverty New York City borough where he noticed children with a strong [5] He is regarded as New Jersey's most powerful unelected leader. 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. In as early as 2011, Norcross began giving a series of speeches focusing on education, and on the future of public education in Camden specifically. When Norcross lost control of the newspapers in 2014, after a nasty, deeply personal feud between the owners involving lovers, lawyers and daughters, some wondered if he would retreat from Philly. 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. 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. 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. George Norcross daughter, Alessandra, a director of the parent company of the Inquirer, is an officer of the foundation and a board member of KCNA. Further, both residents and reporters paid specific attention to the proposed, and eventual, location of the KCNA and the history regarding the demolition and refusal to rebuild the public school, Lanning Square Elementary. 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. With the exception of that climate, these amenities are the result of an effective Republican state government. Building on his labor and political connections, Norcross developed an insurance business that gave him the financial leverage to help Democratic politics in Camden County. the districts highest post. The words indicate his meaning. Norcrossing the Delaware: How South Jersey's Political Boss Is Making When DRPA issued its final disbursements in 2011, Cooper University Hospital received $6 million. George Norcross's net worth George Howard Norcross, Jr. son. George Norcross, Chris Christie, and Paymon Rouhanifard: The triumverite who snaked renaissance (corporate takeover) schools into Camden, The Genuine Problems I have with the Education Reform Communitya series (Pt. meeting all of the students needs, and a lot district waste. In February 2012, Norcross penned an op-ed in the Courier-Post that called for the merger of Rowan University and Rutgers-Camden, positing it could be a "catalyst for the kind of renaissance that could make South Jersey an epicenter of intellectual and economic success for decades." Both the new mayor and Johnny Doc owe Norcross. Though, Norcross has been described in local print media as, the guy with the cigar and horns, an arrogant and profane bully who threatens to castrate his political enemies, and an individual presiding over an environment where hardball politics ends and a culture of intimidation, dubbed La Costra Norcoss by his enemies, Norcross has been irrepressible in influencing South Jersey, but specifically Camden-based politics, to his will. 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. In a city like Camden, theres a sisterhood, brotherhood with Philadelphia. Though Norcross was never accused of wrongdoing, the tapes are chilling. In Philadelphia, all eyes were on one super PAC in particular: American Cities, which was backing Tony Williams for mayor. [6], Norcross is a member of the Democratic National Committee. Thats likely part of Norcrosss play in Philadelphia, but it would be uncharacteristic for him to stop there. Norcross was little more than a regional player 30 years ago. 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. If George Norcross comes into Philadelphia big-time and does the same type of things as a corporate citizen as hes done for South Jersey, that would be a plus., Colandus Francis, president of the Camden County NAACP, disagrees, to say the least: Why is Camden one of the poorest cities in the country if hes done so much for Camden? Florida the loser as N.J.'s George Norcross flies south | Letters And, later the next week, on August 21st, 2013, outside of HB Wilson Family School on South Eighth St., Camden was officially introduced to Paymon Rouhanifard by NJDOE Commissioner Chris Cerf, Governor Christie, and Mayor Redd. I understand, as a reporter, why the Palmyra Tapes incident has to be part of the George Norcross narrative. Newsroom ire has instead focused on what many journalists and the Newspaper Guild charge is an effort to push out older reporters.IGM management has consistently declined to speak to City Paper about internal affairs. 3), A Review of Demoralized: Why Teachers Leave the Profession They Love and How They Can Stay, a Review from the Perspective of a Black, Socialist Union Leader, Warning! There was no Ill do this, you gotta do that.. George Norcrosss income source is mostly from being a successful Businessman. In this lifetime, I cant win. Never heard of George Norcross? Here's why you need to. Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. Im not against him. He was a labor leader and served as a trustee of Cooper University Hospital. 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. Its all about power, says John Williamson, president of the Camden Fraternal Order of Police. Norcross has a daughter, Lexie, and a son, Alex. George Norcross, Jr. was active in the community of Camden and a board member of Cooper University Hospital. George Norcross Obituary George Addison Norcross was born on 27 October 1839 at Upton, Worcester Co., MA. I think he truly believes the more successful and smoothly functioning and healthier the whole region is, the better business opportunities are going to be, says Comcast V.P. 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. 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. 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. Johnny Doc, Kenneys most potent ally, was also Coryells fiercest political enemy. The $88 million media sale to Katz, H.F. Gerry Lenfest and their partners was scheduled to be closed June 10. Hes strutted into Philadelphia, landed taxpayer-funded contracts, apparently helped elect the mayor, and perhaps even funded a new media organization. [27], An investigative task force was formed to look into the operations and procedures of the EDA. Friends may call on Thursday, June 9, 2022 from 9:00 am until . 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. (It was renewed last year, for $310,000.) George E. Norcross, III (born March 16, 1956) is an American businessman and a Democratic Party organiser and power broker in New Jersey. A final observation: When Dr. Mehmet Oz of whom I am not a supporter announced he was running for U.S. Senate as a Republican in Pennsylvania, our watchdog media hounds almost immediately noted his recent New Jersey residency, and shouts of carpetbagger arose.