Kolluri Takes Helm as NJ Transit’s New CEO
This week, former state Department of Transportation commissioner Kris Kolluri was approved as the new CEO of NJ Transit, less than a month after he left his post as CEO of the Gateway Development Commission, the agency charged with building the $16 billion Hudson River tunnel.
NJ Transit’s board unanimously approved Governor Phil Murphy’s nomination of Kolluri to replace CEO Kevin Corbett, who submitted his resignation on Dec. 9, effective on Jan. 16.
“Over the next year, I look forward to working with the governor and the board to continue putting NJ Transit on a pathway to carry out the improvements that customers expect and deserve.” Kolluri said in a statement.
Kolluri previously served as CEO of the Rowan University/Rutgers - Camden Board of Governors, CEO of the New Jersey Schools Development Authority and president and CEO of Camden Community Partnership before joining the Gateway Development Corp. in 2022.
Kolluri served as state transportation commissioner from January 2006 to December 2008. He becomes the second former transportation commissioner to become NJ Transit’s top executive.
NJ Reaches EV Registration Milestone
Governor Murphy recently announced that New Jersey has reached a significant milestone by surpassing 200,000 electric vehicle registrations. This milestone demonstrates the increasing consumer confidence in electric vehicles, the availability of charging infrastructure, and the success of the state's policies that are designed to encourage EV sales. Currently, there are about 208,000 registered electric vehicles in New Jersey – about double the amount of EV’s registered two years ago.
The state’s success with EV growth can be attributed to a robust suite of state incentives that encourage both consumers and businesses to make the switch to EVS. These programs include Charge Up New Jersey, NJ Zero-Emission Incentive Program (NJZIP), the Clean Fleet EV Program, and the Diesel Modernization Program.
“New Jersey is leading the charge in transitioning toward a zero-emission future. Reaching this 200,000 EV milepost clearly demonstrates growing consumer confidence in the oerforance of electric vehicles and our growing regional network of charging infrastructure,” said Governor Murphy.
Click here for more information on EV sales, registration and charging station locations.
Primary Election Ballot Design Bill Advances
This week, the state Assembly took significant steps toward advancing its primary ballot design legislation, setting the stage for a full floor vote in the near future.
The Assembly Select Committee on Ballot Design and the Assembly Appropriations Committee both unanimously approved the bill, A5116. This legislation proposes the adoption of office block ballots, which group candidates on primary ballots by the office they are running for. It also seeks to eliminate the practice known as “ballot Siberia,” where candidates not endorsed by county parties are relegated to less prominent sections of the ballot, potentially making them less visible to voters.
The state Senate’s intentions regarding the bill remain uncertain, as there is no corresponding Senate version currently under consideration. The Assembly’s progress on A5116 coincided with the advancement of another bill that increases signature petition requirements for candidates.
First Gubernatorial Debates set for February
The first debates in the campaigns for the Democratic and Republican nominations for Governor of New Jersey are scheduled for February 2025, as ten candidates vie to succeed term-limited Governor Phil Murphy.
The Democratic debate will take place on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at 7:00 PM on Rider University’s campus in Lawrence. Six candidates have been invited and confirmed their attendance: Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, Rep. Josh Gottheimer, Rep. Mikie Sherrill, New Jersey Education Association President Sean Spiller, and former Senate President Steve Sweeney.
The Republican debate is set for Tuesday, February 4, 2025, also at 7:00 PM at Rider University. Four candidates are confirmed to participate: State Sen. Jon Bramnick, former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, former State Sen. Ed Durr, and NJ 101.5 radio host Bill Spadea.
Both debates are being sponsored by the New Jersey Globe, On New Jersey, and the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics at Rider University. The Republican debate will also have additional sponsorship from Save Jersey.
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