Errichetti had appointed Norcross director of a reconstituted Camden Parking Authority in 1978 when Norcross was only twenty-two. But a lot of people I care about are, so in deference to them, I wouldnt want to say anything negative. Note that clicking the link below will block access to this site for 24 hours. son. Discover George Norcross's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Norcross and his partners own five properties there. Apparently, you can take the friend out of Jersey, but not vice versa. Florida the loser as N.J.'s George Norcross flies south | Letters 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. And reframing the Camden city police as a county-led force is, he says, designed to save money and free up budgetary room to put more officers on the street. Norcross has also been meeting with some of the citys most powerful politicians, from Council President Darrell Clarke to State Senator Tony Williams to U.S. Rep Bob Brady. The Norcross name is very familiar to virtually any Democrat with designs on rising through the political ranks in South Jersey. The elder Norcross died in May 1998; his son's voice gets softer as he pulls mementos out . Norcross was named the second most powerful man in the New Jersey business world by NJBiz.com in 2014, 2015, and 2016,[14] and made the list's top ten list in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 16 March. One of those people is Steve Sweeney, who is kind of a supersized Johnny Doc. So right there and then, the likely next mayor of Philadelphia sat down for a brief tte--tte with the lord of South Jersey. George Norcrosss income source is mostly from being a successful Businessman. 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. Trump and Norcross. 2 Peas, 1 Pod - Insider NJ 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. arrival, Rouhanifard freely shared biographical information about his So far, in Philadelphia, Norcross has received far less scrutiny. Resident Moneke Ragsdale remarked: The public needs to know how this happened. Please note: This article is published as an archive copy from Philadelphia City Paper. George Norcross Jr., whom admirers called "Big George" and "Chief," was a longtime AFL-CIO president. American businessman and politician organizer, It may require cleanup to comply with Wikipedia's content policies, particularly, Learn how and when to remove these template messages, Learn how and when to remove this template message, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Veterans Health Administration scandal of 2014, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Governors feud with party boss rocks New Jersey politics, by Ryan Hutchins, Politico, May 21, 2019, retrieved October 3, 2019, "Trump's 'Winter White House': A Peek at the Exclusive Members' List at Mar-a-Lago", "IN HONOR OF GEORGE E. NORCROSS III; Congressional Record Vol. That was particularly apparent in the 2015 mayoral race, which was the first time super PACs played a role in a big Philly municipal election. I stayed in the background because I thought thats what political bosses did. George was loved by all and was known as the Gentle Giant. (Theres a good number of executives who are in the private sector, who I bounce ideas off of.) But Kenney doesnt talk about Norcross the way you talk about a person you really know. Hes long been criticized for doing insurance business with many of the governments with which he has ties as a political leader. This is like therapy, he said at one point, before clarifying that hes never been in therapy. For the next 20 years, Norcross focused on the battlefield of New Jersey politics, to the point that he is now said to own South Jersey. The Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol Building was as much an example of domestic terrorism as flying airplanes into tall buildings was an example of foreign terrorism. 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. But stories about Norcrosss bare-knuckle tactics occasionally leak out, most famously in the recordings known as the Palmyra Tapes. But he didnt dive in. When Phil Murphy hired a team of high-powered lawyers to investigate how the state doled out tax breaks, the move was viewed as a declaration of war on the powerful South Jersey political machine. "They Have No Choice" - Philadelphia Magazine Now, we learn that the great champion of South Jersey Democrats, George Norcross III, has declared himself as a Florida. 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. Norcross family to lead expansion of famous Atlantic City bread and son. He is now said to have helped elect 50-some county freeholders, state lawmakers and Congressmen currently in office in New Jersey. None of these contracts have been publicly reported until now. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. The Camden Norcross seeks to create is both modernized and tech-savvy. 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. [2][3] From 2014 through 2021,[4] he was named one of New Jersey's most powerful people by NJBiz.com. Is George Norcross helping Camden or himself? | Moran - nj.com Johnny Doc, Kenneys most potent ally, was also Coryells fiercest political enemy. A few months after the primary, Kenney was the featured guest at a fund-raiser for Norcrosss brother, U.S. Representative Donald Norcross. George Norcross's net worth His eyebrows twist with real curiosity, and his eyes begin casting around, wildly alight, as if the answer to the Riddle of Him might be written on one of the walls in this Cooper University Hospital conference room. UNC-Chapel Hill, and during his time there was president of the schools Additionally, Lenfest announced today that Brian Tierney, the co-owner of the Daily News and Inquirer from 2006 to 2010, will serve the publications as a consultant as they move forward without Katz. The slight infuriated Norcross. 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. In this lifetime, I cant win. With the exception of that climate, these amenities are the result of an effective Republican state government. After a five-hour court hearing about the injunction, Norcross lost and within minutes, the report was made public. When he sits down to talk about Norcross, Kenney suddenly looks like hed rather be someplace else. It truly would be near impossible to overstate the political reach and influence Norcross exerts in the state. at Norcrosss firm, to the board of the Convention Center. At 66 years old, George Norcross height not available right now. Norcross is executive chairman of Conner Strong & Buckelew, an insurance brokerage firm. Meet the New Jersey Democratic power broker who praised Trump's - Salon Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. When Laskin shot him down, Norcross asked again: This is really important to me personally. The answer was no. And the stands they take on the issues reflect the values of any true blue-dog Democrat.. 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. By this theory, the land now set aside for the KIPP Cooper charter might never house a school at alland instead wind up serving as land on which Cooper University Hospital can expand. Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Claudia Vargas, in Plan for KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy in Camden approved by state, reported on the political dealings associated in the establishing of KCNA. It didnt matter that Norcross didnt have an appointment. Rouhanifard assumed the positions of Chief of Staff to Deputy Chancellor John (He has a great vision for Camden.) Kenney even says he may ask Norcross for advice from time to time. The junior Katz is also the CEO of the similarly named Interstate Outdoor Advertising. Im not against him. high-poverty New York City borough where he noticed children with a strong Genealogy for George Howard Norcross, Sr. (1818 - 1896) family tree on Geni, with over 230 million profiles of ancestors and living relatives. 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. 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. daughter. FOR MOST OF HIS CAREER, Norcross, 60, stayed on his side of the Delaware. 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. We all think we know, he says. Hes already conquered New Jersey. Copyright 2023 My City Paper :: New York City News, Food, Sports and Events. Norcrossing the Delaware: How South Jersey's Political Boss Is Making 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. 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. 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. Norcross was also the subject of a federal investigation in 2016 where his phones were wiretapped. 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. [9] His mother died at the age of 84 in 2016. The McGreeveys. Thats the reality. 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. Susan Ann Norcross. In short, it seems Norcross still cannot fully process just why he wants what he wants. Norcross was with Dan Hilferty, the CEO of Independence Blue Cross, when he got the news. Her first husband was Mitja Nikisch, a pianist and son of celebrated orchestral conductor Arthur Nikisch.They divorced circa 1934. Both the new mayor and Johnny Doc owe Norcross. Friends may call on Thursday, June 9, 2022 from 9:00 am until . 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. Insurer's parent company, with ties to Norcross, paid $1M - POLITICO Isaiah Wesley Norcross. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). the NYCDOE website, the OPM, Office of School Design and Charter Partnerships Survived by his loving wife of 40 years Betty, daughter Lorna of Italy, 2 grandchildren Matteo and Sandra . 162, No. How Companies and Allies of One Powerful Democrat Got $1.1 Billion in And I wasnt permitted to. What engages Norcross is besting a challenge with an apparatus that produces a desired result. My apologies and sympathies go to Floridians. . In 2014, the New Yorkers Ryan Lizza landed a rare recorded interview with Norcross. 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. Trump's tirade about 'fed up' New Jersey - POLITICO Since Norcross operates in the shadows, were left guessing about his motives. Kenney tells me he has known Norcross for years (Fifteen, 20?), but he doesnt share any anecdotes or insights about the man. Norcross was born on March 16, 1956, in Cooper University Hospital, Camden, New Jersey. As always, another excellent, well researched, article Dr. Benson. at NYCDOE, as Office of School Design and Charter Partnerships. (Norcross just recently said that he will relinquish the DNC post.). [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. 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. Behind all this striving, Norcross has also maintained a network of admirers. Some years back, citing high taxes, crumbling infrastructure and a litany of other ills largely the result of corrupt, shoddy and stupid state government, he left New Jersey for Florida. He called his closest supporters the Can Do Club and lived by high-achiever mantras like Second Place Is First Loser. In a pivotal 1991 election, he worked with TV adman Neil Oxman and paid for $400,000 in commercial spots to dethrone Laskin, an unheard-of move in a state election. And the first thing it allows him to do is climb over his own biases. In 2012, Norcrosss firm scored a $630,000 contract with the School District of Philadelphia. 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. There was no quid pro quo there. No, not since then., But when I ask why Norcross supported him not whether he did well, then Kenney opens up, a little. The education ruined Young George for college. These changes include but are not limited to: Opening high potential new schools and closing underperforming schools; establishing enrollment/admissions criteria; altering schools grade configurations; revising elementary and middle school zoning in order to impact enrollment and school size; improving the availability of programs to serve special populations, including Gifted & Talented, English Language Learners and students with disabilities, and Pre-Kindergarten. In June that year, the state approved the partnership. George Norcross firm and partners got N.J. tax credits for Camden offices, years after task force scrutiny. Probably because he thought I would be a good mayor, he says. 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. George Norcross, Jr. was active in the community of Camden and a board member of Cooper University Hospital. 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. After thorough investigations and significant media coverage, he was not charged. Illustration by Tim OBrien. Months later in January 2012, the UHA was passed. 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. Primarily, the Office of Portfolio Management with NYCDOE was responsible for transitioning more choice schools (charters, and magnet) into NYCs portfolio of school offerings, while simultaneously targeting and transitioning failing or underperforming public schools for closure. 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. This is the state of Philly politics: The only plausible check on Johnny Doc is George Norcross, another unelected white guy thisclose to the building trades. Later that year, a journalism start-up called PhillyVoice launched, with Norcross's 20-something daughter Lexie at the helm. [27], An investigative task force was formed to look into the operations and procedures of the EDA. So, how much is George Norcross worth at the age of 66 years old? Norcrosss insurance firm has secured government contracts in Philly in recent years, just as its done in Jersey. good education was to him and his family, that he went on to graduate from 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. How dark horse Norcross went from selling insurance at the - NJBIZ The money, however, wasnt used on an election. He is chairman of the board of trustees for Cooper University Health Care System and Cooper University Hospital both in Camden, New Jersey, and has served as a trustee since 1990. Increase website traffic and elevate your brand with a CMS Bot business website. Norcross Jr. was active in the community of Camden and a board member of Cooper University Hospital. The domain of the website was registered to Norcross's insurance. How one election left this powerful Democratic organization - POLITICO I had been warned, by a half-dozen reporters, that Norcross would limit access and insist most of the conversation be kept private. Weve got to make it safer here, he says, and weve got to improve the quality of education, or no one will move here and anyone who achieves any measure of success wont stay.. deemed failing, he began a 100-day listening tour. The touring companies for Lady Gaga and Lenny Kravitz alone were paid $1.825 million. Did this one signal that Norcross, after spending 30 years methodically taking over the state of New Jersey, was setting his sights on Philadelphia? [23], 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." I am not in the Norcross bubble, says Jay Lassiter. This would mean the world to him, Norcross reportedly told Laskin. Jennifer Beck, a Republican legislator from Monmouth County, has since proposed a bill to plug up this hole in the public trough. Well, Norcross maintains that he is less involved in politics than he used to be. GEORGE NORCROSS OBITUARY. So the risk is simple overreach. If you're a human and see this, please ignore it. The Chief died, in 1998, with that promise unfulfilled. She'd been thinking about her godfather and great family friend, the lawyer Martin F. McKernan Jr., seriously ill with cancer. Norcross is the executive chairman of brokerage firm Conner Strong & Buckelew, where he has worked since 1979. 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. But she also was accused of downplaying hard news in favor of fluff and tawdry. Or so it seemed. 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. She cant vote him out. 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 george norcross daughter - Exin Im also guessing that the Secret Service was scared that day when they hid Pence and his family in a bunker. 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. [26], Norcross has been associated with businesses that are alleged to have received special treatment from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. In Jersey, Norcross cried because there were no more worlds to conquer., Then that person adds: Dont quote me on that. And if they were hazy on the details, well, all the better. Three much smaller donations from regulated industries two casino companies and another health insurance company also helped fund the event. How power broker George Norcross and friends got waterfront land for cheap And Im getting older now. It will be a political firefight. City Paper has not, to be clear, received any complaints about the work ethic of any of the three. The domain of the website was registered to Norcrosss insurance firm that is, until Technical.ly Philly wrote about that juicy little detail. If you're a human and see this, please ignore it. $17.99 + $4.99 shipping. 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. Funding for the event came through General Majority, a Democratic super PAC that dominated New Jerseys legislative elections in 2013 and 2015. WWB Holdings owns media site PhillyVoice, where George Norcross' daughter, Lexie Norcross, is founder and CEO. The United States Attorney's Office for New Jersey sent Norcross a letter confirming that no action was warranted and the investigation was closed. Thats likely part of Norcrosss play in Philadelphia, but it would be uncharacteristic for him to stop there. Why is George Norcross' twenty-something daughter an Inquirer/Daily His mother, Carol, died at the age of 84 in 2016. In 2014, it landed yet another contract, worth $660,000, with the Philadelphia Housing Authority. In a city like Camden, theres a sisterhood, brotherhood with Philadelphia. By contrast, Katz's longtime partner is Inquirer city. It plants lawn signs! We will update George Norcross's Height, weight, Body Measurements, Eye Color, Hair Color, Shoe & Dress size soon as possible. 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. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Democratic power broker George E. Norcross III and his business partners have invested in projects along Camden's Delaware River waterfront that have benefited from nearly $290 million in tax credits and other incentives from the state. It happened in the early 80s when he won his first big insurance contract, at the Garden State Park race track. 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. We share a bridge. Aside from Later that year, a journalism start-up called PhillyVoice launched, with Norcrosss 20-something daughter Lexie at the helm. She was born Eleonora Hermina Gregor in Grz, a town which then belonged to Austria-Hungary, but is now part of Italy, to Austrian-Jewish parents.. . Website design, managed and hosted by DEP Design, depdesign.com, a New York interactive agency. To his credit, one person who does agree to be interviewed for this story is Jim Kenney. Now, I hear that the Republican National Committee is paying some of Trumps legal bills for his defense against a New York probe over his business practices. It was during Rouhanifards time at NYDOE where he would meet the eventual NJDOE Commissioner Cerf, who would later recruit him to lead Camdens school district. According to Vail Daily, Neil's grandfather, John, was a partner in a Denver law firm. 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. Progressive Democratic groups often highlight the fact George Norcross who with his childhood friend, New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney, holds sway over the Democrat-controlled state . He has close ties to Jersey carpenters. But our two meetings encompassed 10 hours, most of it on the record.