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.. 41. One is simply that Norcross is moving into Philly because its good for business. 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. 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. But can the guy with the cigar and the horns really save a city, or can he only serve himself? By financially supporting candidates not only in Camden County, but all over South Jersey, George Norcross was able to consolidate his leadership and demand unity among, and allegiance from, those whom he helped get elected. most stakeholders agnostic to his ascension to the position at worst, and Soon after Rouhanifard took the helm at Camden, a school district In 2014, it landed yet another contract, worth $660,000, with the Philadelphia Housing Authority. If you're a scraper, please click the link below :-) And as far as many carpenters were concerned, Philly carpenters boss Ed Coryell had gone off the reservation. 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. It took one night for the. Hes strutted into Philadelphia, landed taxpayer-funded contracts, apparently helped elect the mayor, and perhaps even funded a new media organization. Christie, Cerf and a national superintendent search firm Ray and Associates, selected Rouhanifard for Camden from a pool of more than 100 applicants, indicating the Governors Office and state DOE never intended on Camdens school board to pick their eventual district leader at all. [18] The 18-story, 394,164 square-foot building also houses The Michaels Organization, NFI, and two new restaurants spearheaded by Philadelphia celebrity chef Michael Schulson. Kenney tells me he has known Norcross for years (Fifteen, 20?), but he doesnt share any anecdotes or insights about the man. With Rouhanifards apparent political and public relations acumen, coupled with his pro-charter background and his demonstrated willingness to shutter public schools against the wishes of low-income minority residents in gentrifying Williamsburg (Brooklyn), coupled with the expansive nature of UHA and renaissance schools; his advocacy for a forthcoming universal enrollment system (that has been identified as a mechanism to reduce student enrollment in public school but guiding them in to charters), the education reform advocates began celebrating Rouhanifard and the possibilities it meant for public education Camden. Docs biggest labor enemy was rendered impotent, and Norcrosss allies are now in charge of the citys carpenters. And I got portrayed, you know, as the guy with the cigar and the horns., Norcrosss critics believe hes not difficult to understand. Further cementing their respective legacies, concerning Christie and Norcross, speculation holds that an agreement took place, dubbed the I-195 Deal. 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. 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. The United States Attorney's Office for New Jersey sent Norcross a letter confirming that no action was warranted and the investigation was closed. son. Meet George Norcross. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Norcross III became Chairman of the Camden County Democratic Association at the age of 32, and through financially backing South Jersey Democratic candidates using a platform of fiscal conservatism combined with social pragmatism, was able to gain influence in democratic circles in the surrounding suburbs as well as in Camden. 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. Hidden Mickey Hidden Mickeys Disney secrets Disney newsDisney forum Disney blog, MyCityPaper.com mobile responsive website design, hosting and search engine optimization is powered by CMS Bot. 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? 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. Working under Joel Klein, chancellor of Alessandra T. Norcross is, according to a September report, 25 years old. speeches highlighting his time teaching in a primary school in a low-income, 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 words indicate his meaning. 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 to the extent that he did with the Kenney election. And I wasnt permitted to. In 2013, Cooper University Health Care in Camden, which Norcross chairs, bought a 20 percent stake in AmeriHealth New Jersey. had to flee Iran by slipping into neighboring Pakistan before finally settling The money, however, wasnt used on an election. According to Vail Daily, Neil's grandfather, John, was a partner in a Denver law firm. 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. Just a few weeks before the election, a New Jersey-based PAC called the Carpenters Fund for Growth and Progress donated $750,000 to a PAC called the Turnout Project. Perhaps Norcross, and what he wants, is as much of a mystery to Kenney as he is to the rest of us. 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. His body hangs forward, and he answers questions tersely, cryptically. Norcross is executive chairman of Conner Strong & Buckelew, an insurance brokerage firm. But the particular subject is never important. at NYCDOE, as Office of School Design and Charter Partnerships. It didnt matter that Norcross didnt have an appointment. Everything he was saying was just wrong, he recalls. Additionally, many of the homes surrounding KCNA have either been purchased by Coopers Ferry Partnership or acquired through eminent domain. Johnny Doc, Kenneys most potent ally, was also Coryells fiercest political enemy. Though Norcross was never accused of wrongdoing, the tapes are chilling. 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. Norcross has also benefited from his connections to the Delaware River Port Authority. The problem, then, isnt that George Norcross is incompetent. During the early phases of his 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. Glenwood, Utah - Ellison Lon Norcross Sr. "Red" passed away peacefully at his home in Glenwood on January 5, 2021 at the age of 73. The best answer might be both: In fortifying Cooper University Hospital, Norcross ensures some vibrant legacy for his family. 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. I understand, as a reporter, why the Palmyra Tapes incident has to be part of the George Norcross narrative. In this lifetime, I cant win. Apparently, you can take the friend out of Jersey, but not vice versa. Having two bachelors degrees in economics and But she is nowhere to be found on the corporate masthead. 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. Later that year, John Mooney wrote, Not one to do things small, George Norcross has enlisted a power-packed partnership of playersseen and unseenin a bid to essentially create a mini-district of new schools for the city of Camden. And with that, the path for Camdens forthcoming renaissance schools was set. 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. He could work in politics, insurance, bomb building, or the construction of a better mousetrap, and hed enjoy the same electric charge emanating from the same place. Due to an editing error, the print version of this article incorrectly reported that George Norcross had not granted any on-the-record interviews. Officer in the Office of Portfolio Management (OPM). And it sure looks like President Donald Trump and NJ political boss George Norcross really have a lot in common! The Camden Norcross seeks to create is both modernized and tech-savvy. However, I think I am going to decline at this time., He declined your request for an interview both on and off the record.. Norcross Jr. was active in the community of Camden and a board member of Cooper University Hospital. He served on the board of and was the chairman of United Way. George Norcross slipped in through the back door. He, finally, often ended most of his introductory 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. Its not clear whether it will once again set up shop later this year. Its only natural to wonder when my number will come up.. Norcross left discreetly, un-spotted by the legions of press there that night (including me). A 2013 article authored by Philadelphia Magazine reporter Steve Volk entitled, George Norcross: The Man who Destroyed Democracy, profiled George Norcross III, who is commonly referred to as the most powerful Democrat in New Jersey politics. But a lot of people I care about are, so in deference to them, I wouldnt want to say anything negative. The education ruined Young George for college. But she also was accused of downplaying hard news in favor of fluff and tawdry. 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. . After a five-hour court hearing about the injunction, Norcross lost and within minutes, the report was made public. 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. 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. Its all about power, says John Williamson, president of the Camden Fraternal Order of Police. 1966 Rev George R Davis, Pres & Mrs Johnson At Dc Church Politics Wirephoto 8X10. 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. George Norcross is a wealthy insurance executive who has become one . There, he found fair and reasonable taxation, beautifully maintained roads, lower crime, a thriving economic environment and a climate more suitable to his liking. The committee was funded by a trio of multimillionaire hedge fund investors who supported controversial education policies: charter expansion and school vouchers. [28][29], Norcross has a daughter, Lexie, and a son, Alex. 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. George Norcross Jr., whom admirers called "Big George" and "Chief," was a longtime AFL-CIO president. 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. 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. One of his longtime Jersey allies is Frank Spencer, a VP at the national carpenters union. 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. within a city known for generational poverty and where 23 of 26 schools were at Norcrosss firm, to the board of the Convention Center. George Norcross firm and partners got N.J. tax credits for Camden offices, years after task force scrutiny. Well, Norcross maintains that he is less involved in politics than he used to be. 1966 Dr William Norcross Chicago Il Director Cook County Jail News Wirephoto 6X8. 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. But a year later, her fix continues to languish in a committee chaired by Nia Gill, an Essex County Democrat who isagain, go figureallied with Norcrosss Southern Jersey crew. (It was also extended, two years ago, for $500,000.) 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. Paymon Rouhanifard was only thirty-two when he was appointed to 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. 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 . THE STORY OF HOW Norcross built himself into the most powerful man in New Jersey begins with revenge. Norcross was born on March 16, 1956, in Cooper University Hospital, Camden, New Jersey. I meet with him in the Mayors Reception Room in City Hall, where hes holding a press conference encouraging Philadelphians to vote. WWB Holdings owns media site PhillyVoice, where George Norcross' daughter, Lexie Norcross, is founder and CEO. He wasnt permitted to have the conversation. Copyright 2023 My City Paper :: New York City News, Food, Sports and Events. It was May 19th, the day Jim Kenney won the mayoral primary in a landslide. Nothing he does, says historian Howard Gillette, is all bad. In time, Rouhanifard showed himself to adept and aware of the political and media atmosphere in his new landscape. 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. But stories about Norcrosss bare-knuckle tactics occasionally leak out, most famously in the recordings known as the Palmyra Tapes. Many South Jersey residents who were familiar with Christie, and his visible role as New Jerseys primary public crime fighter, found his leniency toward Norcross, a man to who many long have suspected of being a corrupt public actor, in word curious. 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. daughter. Maybe theres some synergies the two cities could benefit from.. Theres a great quote about Alexander the Great: He cried because there were no worlds to conquer, says one political insider. Send a letter to the editor of South Jersey Times at sjletters@njadvancemedia.com. So right there and then, the likely next mayor of Philadelphia sat down for a brief tte--tte with the lord of South Jersey. Mary Ellen Norcross. 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. The KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy, a five-school, 2,800-student behemoth to be built on land near Cooper, might stabilize the children and families of an entire neighborhood, Norcross says. She was not terminated but voluntarily left after her ownership share, along with her fathers, was bought out by Katz, Lenfest and their partners. The most powerful man in New Jersey has never held public office. Through the 60s and 70s, he made a practice of bringing Young George to meet New Jersey governors, senators, congressional leaders and business people. Kenney also recently reappointed Heather Steinmiller, a senior V.P. 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. 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. She was remembered as "a tireless advocate for senior citizens. Things Aint Always what They Seem: Our Society is in Deep Trouble and Oligarchy is the Blame, What the Fight For Camden(NJ) Schools Truly is(a Struggle for Our Survival), Buy Education Reform and Gentification in the Age of #CamdenRising: Public Education and Urban Redevelopment in the Camden, NJ, Education Reform and Gentrification in the Age of #CamdenRising Public Education and Urban Redvelopment in Camden, NJ, The Myth and Traction of the Failing Urban School Narrative, Camden Education Association 840 Cooper St. Camden, NJ. 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. George Norcross Obituary George Addison Norcross was born on 27 October 1839 at Upton, Worcester Co., MA. teaching experience and lack of state credentials, his arrival in Camden had Norcross revered and adored his father, George E. Norcross Jr., known as "Chief" to his four sons. Friends may call on Thursday, June 9, 2022 from 9:00 am until . persecution, how their familys assets were frozen, that he and his family they UNC-Chapel Hill, and during his time there was president of the schools After thorough investigations and significant media coverage, he was not charged. Norcross sued the State of New Jersey to try stop the highly critical report from becoming public. Norcross rejects such talk as wild conspiracy theories. But heres the rub: Camden residents have no power with which to reject him. This is like therapy, he said at one point, before clarifying that hes never been in therapy. 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. After conducting a national search, and narrowing down the selections to three individuals, the CCSD board was preparing to conduct in-person interviews with potential candidates. He often spoke about how important getting a In Philadelphia, all eyes were on one super PAC in particular: American Cities, which was backing Tony Williams for mayor. They werent as well-funded or as sexy, and they were backed by known entities: the teachers union and Johnny Doc. Norcross and his partners own five properties there. Fee said Conner Strong & Buckelew was not involved in the concert. 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. Another is that Norcross is courting Phillys building trades so theyll support his brother, Donald, if he runs for U.S. Senate, as many expect. None of these contracts have been publicly reported until now. And even his nepotism hasnt embarrassed him. A year later, theres no question: Norcross is now well entrenched in Philadelphia, and all signs suggest his influence will continue to grow. teaching experience at Public School 192 in Harlem through Teach for America. The slight infuriated Norcross. But it does not define who he is., Norcrosss allies cite his intense loyalty. Or consider the opposite: that he builds his base here, then ultimately takes on Doc. The super PAC paid for TV, radio and mail ads to boost Democratic Assemblymen John . The 18-story, 394,164 square-foot building will also house The Michaels Organization, NFI, and two new restaurants spearheaded by Philadelphia celebrity chef Michael Schulson.