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| The 30 biggest corporate subsidies awarded by New Jersey since 2012 | The 30 biggest corporate subsidies awarded by New Jersey since 2012 |
| (2 months later) | |
| 1. American Dream, East Rutherford – $390m, Nov 2013 | 1. American Dream, East Rutherford – $390m, Nov 2013 |
| Project: The development of a long-delayed mega-mall and entertainment venue, formerly known as Xanadu, in the Meadowlands complex. | Project: The development of a long-delayed mega-mall and entertainment venue, formerly known as Xanadu, in the Meadowlands complex. |
| Political connections: No distinct political contributions. Triple Five, the developer, is a client of Wolff & Samson, the law firm of Christie ally and former Port Authority apointee David Samson. Macquarie Group, a financier for the project, part-owns another company that is represented by Wolff & Samson. Wolff & Samson is also retained for legal work by the New Jersey EDA, which issued the subsidy, and was previously retained by Bergen County, which is due to issue municipal bonds to provide further finance for the project later this year. | |
| Comment: Alan Marcus, a Triple Five spokesman, said in a telephone interview: “Wolff & Samson was not involved in the commercial financing or tax exemption of this project. They were involved in litigation work.” | Comment: Alan Marcus, a Triple Five spokesman, said in a telephone interview: “Wolff & Samson was not involved in the commercial financing or tax exemption of this project. They were involved in litigation work.” |
| 2. JP Morgan Chase, Jersey City – $224.8m, May 2014 | 2. JP Morgan Chase, Jersey City – $224.8m, May 2014 |
| Project: The company said it was considering moving operations to Delaware or Ohio. | Project: The company said it was considering moving operations to Delaware or Ohio. |
| Political connections: $75,000 in contributions from JPMorgan Chase and Senior Vice President Barbara Stewart to the RGA since 2011. $75,000 from JP Morgan to the Republican National Committee, Senate and House committees for the 2012 elections. $15,000 to the New Jersey Republican Party in 2011 from Managing Director Greg Onken, a “bundler” for the presidential campaign of Mitt Romney, to which he contributed $44,500. JPMorgan Chase has also contributed, in smaller amounts, to the Democratic Governors Association and some other Democratic campaigns. | Political connections: $75,000 in contributions from JPMorgan Chase and Senior Vice President Barbara Stewart to the RGA since 2011. $75,000 from JP Morgan to the Republican National Committee, Senate and House committees for the 2012 elections. $15,000 to the New Jersey Republican Party in 2011 from Managing Director Greg Onken, a “bundler” for the presidential campaign of Mitt Romney, to which he contributed $44,500. JPMorgan Chase has also contributed, in smaller amounts, to the Democratic Governors Association and some other Democratic campaigns. |
| Comment: Jennifer Zuccarelli, a JP Morgan Chase spokeswoman, said: "We decline to comment." | Comment: Jennifer Zuccarelli, a JP Morgan Chase spokeswoman, said: "We decline to comment." |
| 3. Sayreville Seaport Associates LP, Sayreville – $223.3m, May 2014 | 3. Sayreville Seaport Associates LP, Sayreville – $223.3m, May 2014 |
| Project: The development of Luxury Point, a retail and residential complex in Sayreville. The venture is 57%-owned by Sayreville Prisa II, which according to SEC filings is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential. | Project: The development of Luxury Point, a retail and residential complex in Sayreville. The venture is 57%-owned by Sayreville Prisa II, which according to SEC filings is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential. |
| Political connections: $126,350 from Prudential to the RGA since 2011. $75,000 from Prudential to the Republican State Leadership Committee since 2012. Approximately $150,000 from Prudential to the Drumthwacket Foundation, which maintains the New Jersey Governor’s mansion, under Christie. $25,000 from CEO John Strangfeld to Romney and the RNC in 2012. Approximately $15,000 from Strangfeld and his wife to the Drumthwacket Foundation – of which they are chair and vice-chair – under Christie. Prudential has also contributed, in smaller amounts, to Democratic campaigns. | Political connections: $126,350 from Prudential to the RGA since 2011. $75,000 from Prudential to the Republican State Leadership Committee since 2012. Approximately $150,000 from Prudential to the Drumthwacket Foundation, which maintains the New Jersey Governor’s mansion, under Christie. $25,000 from CEO John Strangfeld to Romney and the RNC in 2012. Approximately $15,000 from Strangfeld and his wife to the Drumthwacket Foundation – of which they are chair and vice-chair – under Christie. Prudential has also contributed, in smaller amounts, to Democratic campaigns. |
| Comment: Bob DeFillippo, a Prudential spokesman, said in a telephone interview: “None of these activities had any impact on this project”. He said that the couple’s involvement in Drumthwacket was “a project where they are getting involved with restoring one of New Jersey’s most historically significant structures, and they are proud to do it”. | Comment: Bob DeFillippo, a Prudential spokesman, said in a telephone interview: “None of these activities had any impact on this project”. He said that the couple’s involvement in Drumthwacket was “a project where they are getting involved with restoring one of New Jersey’s most historically significant structures, and they are proud to do it”. |
| 4. MMC-DB Group LLC, Paterson – $105.6m, Dec 2013 | 4. MMC-DB Group LLC, Paterson – $105.6m, Dec 2013 |
| Project: The development of a hotel and office building around the campus of St Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson by The Hampshire Companies, a real estate firm, and Medical Missions for Children, a non-profit. The Hampshire Companies will be left owning a $53m office building. | Project: The development of a hotel and office building around the campus of St Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson by The Hampshire Companies, a real estate firm, and Medical Missions for Children, a non-profit. The Hampshire Companies will be left owning a $53m office building. |
| Political connections: The chairman and founder of The Hampshire Companies, Jon Hanson was campaign finance chairman for Christie’s elections in 2009 and 2013, is a longtime friend of the governor, and chairs a policy commission for him. He has donated more than $315,000 to Republicans in national and New Jersey elections in recent years, including almost $25,000 to Christie and the state Republican party since 2009 and thousands of dollars to Romney and Joseph Kyrillos. | Political connections: The chairman and founder of The Hampshire Companies, Jon Hanson was campaign finance chairman for Christie’s elections in 2009 and 2013, is a longtime friend of the governor, and chairs a policy commission for him. He has donated more than $315,000 to Republicans in national and New Jersey elections in recent years, including almost $25,000 to Christie and the state Republican party since 2009 and thousands of dollars to Romney and Joseph Kyrillos. |
| Comment: Asked whether the contributions helped the firm secure the subsidy, Tiffany Miller, a Hampshire Companies spokeswoman, said in an email: “They have decided that they won’t be able to participate in this opportunity.” | Comment: Asked whether the contributions helped the firm secure the subsidy, Tiffany Miller, a Hampshire Companies spokeswoman, said in an email: “They have decided that they won’t be able to participate in this opportunity.” |
| 5. Philadelphia 76ers, Camden – $82m, June 2014 | 5. Philadelphia 76ers, Camden – $82m, June 2014 |
| Project: A training facility for the Pennsylvania-based NBA basketball team. | Project: A training facility for the Pennsylvania-based NBA basketball team. |
| Political connections: $50,000 to the RGA from Joshua Harris, the main owner of the 76ers and previously a predominantly Democratic contributor, since 2010. $82,000 from Harris to Romney and the RNC in 2012. $10,000 to Romney in 2012 from 76ers CEO Scott O'Neil. | Political connections: $50,000 to the RGA from Joshua Harris, the main owner of the 76ers and previously a predominantly Democratic contributor, since 2010. $82,000 from Harris to Romney and the RNC in 2012. $10,000 to Romney in 2012 from 76ers CEO Scott O'Neil. |
| Comment: The 76ers did not return requests for comment. | Comment: The 76ers did not return requests for comment. |
| 6. RBC Capital Markets, Jersey City – $78.8m, May 2014 | 6. RBC Capital Markets, Jersey City – $78.8m, May 2014 |
| Project: Renovatinga facility operated by the Royal Bank of Canada investment banking arm in New Jersey rather than another in Minnesota. | |
| Political connections: $100,000 to Romney, the RNC, and GOP senate and house committees in 2012 from RBC Capital Markets President Mark Standish. Plus $63,500 to Romney and the RNC in 2012 from head of global arbitrage and trading Richard Tavoso, head trader Edward McBride, and chief executive Deborah Freer. Some RBC employees also made contributions to Democrats. | Political connections: $100,000 to Romney, the RNC, and GOP senate and house committees in 2012 from RBC Capital Markets President Mark Standish. Plus $63,500 to Romney and the RNC in 2012 from head of global arbitrage and trading Richard Tavoso, head trader Edward McBride, and chief executive Deborah Freer. Some RBC employees also made contributions to Democrats. |
| Comment: Kevin Foster, an RBC Capital Markets spokesman, said in an email: “We can't comment on how the state of New Jersey makes its decisions as part of its review process, but are confident the process is rigorous. Individual political contributions are at the discretion of our employees and are purely personal decisions. The program is widely publicized by the state of New Jersey. We followed the very public application process that is overseen by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.” | Comment: Kevin Foster, an RBC Capital Markets spokesman, said in an email: “We can't comment on how the state of New Jersey makes its decisions as part of its review process, but are confident the process is rigorous. Individual political contributions are at the discretion of our employees and are purely personal decisions. The program is widely publicized by the state of New Jersey. We followed the very public application process that is overseen by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.” |
| 7. Four Corners Millennium Project Urban Renewal, Newark – $52.5m, Jan 2014 | 7. Four Corners Millennium Project Urban Renewal, Newark – $52.5m, Jan 2014 |
| Project: The redevelopment of a section of downtown Newark. The venture is majority-owned by BRT Realty. | Project: The redevelopment of a section of downtown Newark. The venture is majority-owned by BRT Realty. |
| Political connections: $50,000 to Romney in 2012 from BRTfounder and chairman emeritus Fredric Gould, a former George W. Bush and Rudolph Giuliani donor. | |
| Comment: Ron Beit, the managing member of the project, said in an email: “Our application to the EDA was for a transformative project at a historical intersection that is integral to the city of Newark and New Jersey. As you know, the EDA is an independent entity that does due diligence on all the applications they receive. I have not, and as far as I know no one from the Four Corners project has spoken with Governor Christie or anyone in his office regarding the subsidy application.” | |
| 8. United Parcel Service, Woodland Park – $46.9m, Dec 2012 | 8. United Parcel Service, Woodland Park – $46.9m, Dec 2012 |
| Project: The relocation of the company’s facility in Paramus, New Jersey, to Woodland Park. | Project: The relocation of the company’s facility in Paramus, New Jersey, to Woodland Park. |
| Political connections: No contributions to the RGA, Christie or Romney. (UPS has given about $2m to Republican committees, candidates and PACs since 2011, compared to about $1m to Democrats.) | Political connections: No contributions to the RGA, Christie or Romney. (UPS has given about $2m to Republican committees, candidates and PACs since 2011, compared to about $1m to Democrats.) |
| Comment: Susan Rosenberg, a UPS spokeswoman, said in an email: “Contributions to any candidate through the UPS Political Action Committee are unrelated to any specific project. We support candidates who take time to learn our business and priorities and who are generally supportive of issues we care about like trade and transportation. UPS CEO Scott Davis has not been in any New Jersey discussions. It would not be unusual for local UPSers to regularly engage with officials where our facilities are located. We want them to understand our operations.” | |
| 9. Honeywell International, Morris Plains – $40m, March 2013 | 9. Honeywell International, Morris Plains – $40m, March 2013 |
| Project: Moving Honeywell’s New Jersey base roughly four miles from Morris Township to Morris Plains. | Project: Moving Honeywell’s New Jersey base roughly four miles from Morris Township to Morris Plains. |
| Political connections: $250,000 from Honeywell to the RGA since 2012. In all, $2.8m from Honeywell to national Republican committees, candidates and PACs since 2011, compared to $1.9m on Democrats. Honeywell is also a client of Wolff & Samson. | Political connections: $250,000 from Honeywell to the RGA since 2012. In all, $2.8m from Honeywell to national Republican committees, candidates and PACs since 2011, compared to $1.9m on Democrats. Honeywell is also a client of Wolff & Samson. |
| Comment: Rob Ferris, a Honeywell spokesman, said in an email: “Honeywell’s political action committee supports those who support the policies that are most important to our business. The Grow New Jersey Assistance Program is a potent incentive for large-scale capital intensive projects. We admire the commitment by the governor, legislature and NJEDA to growing business in New Jersey and thank them for providing us with an opportunity to preserve and create jobs, expand operations, and reinvest in the state. A decision like this has long-term ramifications for the Company and its employees.” | |
| 10. Medco, Franklin Lakes – $40m, Aug 2013 | 10. Medco, Franklin Lakes – $40m, Aug 2013 |
| Project: The pharmacy company said it was considering moving its operations to Virginia rather than elsewhere in New Jersey. | Project: The pharmacy company said it was considering moving its operations to Virginia rather than elsewhere in New Jersey. |
| Political connections: $251,350 from Medco to the RGA from in 2011-12. $160,900 to the RGA from Medco’s parent company, Express Scripts, from 2011-2014. Plus $18,000 to the RGA in October 2011 from Medco president and chief operating officer Kenneth Klepper. Medco has also contributed to the Democratic Governors Association. | Political connections: $251,350 from Medco to the RGA from in 2011-12. $160,900 to the RGA from Medco’s parent company, Express Scripts, from 2011-2014. Plus $18,000 to the RGA in October 2011 from Medco president and chief operating officer Kenneth Klepper. Medco has also contributed to the Democratic Governors Association. |
| Comment: Asked whether the contributions helped Medco secure the subsidy, or whether anyone at Medco discussed the application with Christie or anyone in his office, Brian Henry, an Express Scripts spokesman, said in email: “No.” | Comment: Asked whether the contributions helped Medco secure the subsidy, or whether anyone at Medco discussed the application with Christie or anyone in his office, Brian Henry, an Express Scripts spokesman, said in email: “No.” |
| 11. Destination Maternity Corporation, Moorestown – $40m, Sep 2013 | 11. Destination Maternity Corporation, Moorestown – $40m, Sep 2013 |
| Project: Moving the headquarters of the Philadelphia-based wholesaler across the state border into Moorestown. | Project: Moving the headquarters of the Philadelphia-based wholesaler across the state border into Moorestown. |
| Political connections: No distinct political contributions. | Political connections: No distinct political contributions. |
| 12. Biovail Americas Corporation, Bridgewater – $39.5m, Dec 2013 | 12. Biovail Americas Corporation, Bridgewater – $39.5m, Dec 2013 |
| Project: Establishing the combined US headquarters of parent company Valeant pharmaceuticals in Bridgewater, New Jersey, rather than Rochester, New York. | Project: Establishing the combined US headquarters of parent company Valeant pharmaceuticals in Bridgewater, New Jersey, rather than Rochester, New York. |
| Political connections: No distinct political contributions. | Political connections: No distinct political contributions. |
| 13. Conopco, Englewood Cliffs – $38m, May 2014 | 13. Conopco, Englewood Cliffs – $38m, May 2014 |
| Project: Renovating the Unilever subsidiary’s New Jersey headquarters to prevent it from moving to New York or Connecticut. | Project: Renovating the Unilever subsidiary’s New Jersey headquarters to prevent it from moving to New York or Connecticut. |
| Political connections: No distinct political contributions. | Political connections: No distinct political contributions. |
| 14. NRG Energy Inc, West Windsor – $37.5m, June 2013 | 14. NRG Energy Inc, West Windsor – $37.5m, June 2013 |
| Project: Preventing the power generating firm from relocating to Texas. | Project: Preventing the power generating firm from relocating to Texas. |
| Political connections: $50,000 from NRG to the RGA between 2012-1. Mauricio Gutierrez, executive vice president & chief operating officer, gave $1,000 to Christie in 2013. | Political connections: $50,000 from NRG to the RGA between 2012-1. Mauricio Gutierrez, executive vice president & chief operating officer, gave $1,000 to Christie in 2013. |
| Comment: NRG did not respond to a request for comment. | Comment: NRG did not respond to a request for comment. |
| 15. Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, Inc, Mount Olive – $36.6m, Feb 2013 | 15. Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, Inc, Mount Olive – $36.6m, Feb 2013 |
| Project: Establishing the electronics giant’s healthcare device manufacturing centre in New Jersey rather than in Indiana. | Project: Establishing the electronics giant’s healthcare device manufacturing centre in New Jersey rather than in Indiana. |
| Political connections: $120,000 from Siemens to the RGA between 2011-13. Siemens also contributed to the Democratic Governors Association. | Political connections: $120,000 from Siemens to the RGA between 2011-13. Siemens also contributed to the Democratic Governors Association. |
| Comment: Camille Johnston, a Siemens spokeswoman, said in an email: “They have a membership component for companies, and we are members. Our membership dues are directed to operational expenses, not to their political activities.” | |
| 16. Beacon Redevelopment LLC, Newark – $33m, Apr 2013 | 16. Beacon Redevelopment LLC, Newark – $33m, Apr 2013 |
| Project: Converting two vacant buildings on the campus of the former Jersey City Medical Center into new rental apartments and commercial space. | Project: Converting two vacant buildings on the campus of the former Jersey City Medical Center into new rental apartments and commercial space. |
| Political connections: The project is owned and to be developed by Building And Land Technology of Connecticut. Carl Kuehner, BLT’s CEO, and his brother Paul, its president, gave $210,000 to Romney and the RNC in 2012. | Political connections: The project is owned and to be developed by Building And Land Technology of Connecticut. Carl Kuehner, BLT’s CEO, and his brother Paul, its president, gave $210,000 to Romney and the RNC in 2012. |
| Comment: BLT did not return a request for comment. | Comment: BLT did not return a request for comment. |
| 17. College Avenue Redevelopment Associates, New Brunswick – $33m, Apr 2013 | 17. College Avenue Redevelopment Associates, New Brunswick – $33m, Apr 2013 |
| Project: Developing new residential, academic, retail and other facilities on a Rutgers University site. | Project: Developing new residential, academic, retail and other facilities on a Rutgers University site. |
| Political connections: $359,950 from Citibank, a private partner in the development that ultimately obtains the tax credits, to the RGA between 2011-14. Rutgers University president Robert Barchi has given almost $5,000 to Republicans in recent years. | Political connections: $359,950 from Citibank, a private partner in the development that ultimately obtains the tax credits, to the RGA between 2011-14. Rutgers University president Robert Barchi has given almost $5,000 to Republicans in recent years. |
| Comment: Citi declined to comment. Chris Paladino, the president of the New Brunswick Development Corporation, said in an email: “Citi is merely a purchaser of the tax credits as they become available on an annual basis. I have no way of knowing if anyone from Citi contacted anyone regarding the application but it would be highly unusual for a purchaser of tax credits to involve themselves in the application process.” | Comment: Citi declined to comment. Chris Paladino, the president of the New Brunswick Development Corporation, said in an email: “Citi is merely a purchaser of the tax credits as they become available on an annual basis. I have no way of knowing if anyone from Citi contacted anyone regarding the application but it would be highly unusual for a purchaser of tax credits to involve themselves in the application process.” |
| 18. Journal Square Associates, Jersey City – $33m, Apr 2013 | 18. Journal Square Associates, Jersey City – $33m, Apr 2013 |
| Project: Building residential towers on a lot adjacent to the Journal Square PATH station in Jersey City. | Project: Building residential towers on a lot adjacent to the Journal Square PATH station in Jersey City. |
| Political connections: Murray Kushner, chairman of owner-developers Kushner Real Estate Group, is a former Bush and Giuliani contributor who is one of Christie’s most generous supporters. Kushner has given $125,000 to the New Jersey Republican party since Christie’s first gubernatorial campaign. He gave the maximum $7,600 to Christie himself in 2013 and $27,500 to Romney and the RNC in 2012. He and his brother, company president Jonathan, have together given more than $10,000 to Kyrillos since 2011. | Political connections: Murray Kushner, chairman of owner-developers Kushner Real Estate Group, is a former Bush and Giuliani contributor who is one of Christie’s most generous supporters. Kushner has given $125,000 to the New Jersey Republican party since Christie’s first gubernatorial campaign. He gave the maximum $7,600 to Christie himself in 2013 and $27,500 to Romney and the RNC in 2012. He and his brother, company president Jonathan, have together given more than $10,000 to Kyrillos since 2011. |
| Comment: Kushner did not respond to a request for comment. | Comment: Kushner did not respond to a request for comment. |
| 19. Harborside Unit A LLC, Jersey City – $33m, Oct 2013 | 19. Harborside Unit A LLC, Jersey City – $33m, Oct 2013 |
| Project: Build luxury apartments on the Jersey City Waterfront. | |
| Political connections: David Mack, senior partner in owner-developer Mack-Cali and previously a Democratic contributor, gave $3,800 to Christie in 2013 and $52,500 to Romney and the RNC in 2012. Fredric Mack, partner and another former Democratic contributor, gave $3,800 to Christie and $30,000 to Romney and the RNC. | Political connections: David Mack, senior partner in owner-developer Mack-Cali and previously a Democratic contributor, gave $3,800 to Christie in 2013 and $52,500 to Romney and the RNC in 2012. Fredric Mack, partner and another former Democratic contributor, gave $3,800 to Christie and $30,000 to Romney and the RNC. |
| Comment: Ilene Jablonski, a spokeswoman for Mack-Cali, said in an email: “No comment”. | Comment: Ilene Jablonski, a spokeswoman for Mack-Cali, said in an email: “No comment”. |
| 20. Two Center Street Urban Renewal LLC, Newark – $33m, Oct 2013 | 20. Two Center Street Urban Renewal LLC, Newark – $33m, Oct 2013 |
| Project: Build a residential and retail complex adjacent to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in downtown Newark. | Project: Build a residential and retail complex adjacent to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in downtown Newark. |
| Political connections: Carl Dranoff, owner and developer, is a longtime donor to Democrats including Barack Obama. | Political connections: Carl Dranoff, owner and developer, is a longtime donor to Democrats including Barack Obama. |
| 21. TDAF I Springfield Avenue Holding Urban Renewal Company LLC, Newark – $32.2m, Oct 2013 | 21. TDAF I Springfield Avenue Holding Urban Renewal Company LLC, Newark – $32.2m, Oct 2013 |
| Project: Build a retail and residential development in Newark’s Central Ward. | Project: Build a retail and residential development in Newark’s Central Ward. |
| Political connections: $20,450 to the RGA from private partner MetLife, the insurance corporation, since 2011. $100,000 to Romney and the RNC in 2012 from MetLife CEO Steven Kandarian. Secondary private partner, Prudential: $126,350 from Prudential to the RGA since 2011. $75,000 from Prudential to the Republican State Leadership Committee since 2012. Approximately $150,000 from Prudential to the Drumthwacket Foundation, which maintains the New Jersey Governor’s mansion, under Christie. $25,000 from CEO John Strangfeld to Romney and the RNC in 2012. Approximately $15,000 from Strangfeld and his wife to the Drumthwacket Foundation – of which they are chair and vice-chair – under Christie. | Political connections: $20,450 to the RGA from private partner MetLife, the insurance corporation, since 2011. $100,000 to Romney and the RNC in 2012 from MetLife CEO Steven Kandarian. Secondary private partner, Prudential: $126,350 from Prudential to the RGA since 2011. $75,000 from Prudential to the Republican State Leadership Committee since 2012. Approximately $150,000 from Prudential to the Drumthwacket Foundation, which maintains the New Jersey Governor’s mansion, under Christie. $25,000 from CEO John Strangfeld to Romney and the RNC in 2012. Approximately $15,000 from Strangfeld and his wife to the Drumthwacket Foundation – of which they are chair and vice-chair – under Christie. |
| Comment: John Calagna, a spokesman for MetLife, said in an email: “MetLife supports the urban revitalization goals of the Springfield Avenue Marketplace project in Newark, New Jersey, creating 400 new permanent jobs and improving the quality of life for local residents for decades to come. Any claim that the company or its executives connected any aspect of this investment to the political process is erroneous and completely unfounded.” Bob DeFillippo, a spokesman for Prudential, said in an email: “Prudential has never sought to influence a decision on tax credits by making political contributions. The credits we have been awarded went through a review process and were awarded based on the established criteria.” | |
| 22. Dietz & Watson, Delanco – $30.9m, Feb 2014 | 22. Dietz & Watson, Delanco – $30.9m, Feb 2014 |
| Project: Establish a new warehouse and distribution center for the processed meat company, which moved most operations to Pennsylvania temporarily following a fire. | Project: Establish a new warehouse and distribution center for the processed meat company, which moved most operations to Pennsylvania temporarily following a fire. |
| Political connections: $28,000 from CEO Louis Eni, COO Christopher Eni and CFO Cindy Yingling to Christie, Romney Kyrillos, and other Republicans since 2009. The three of them also gave $26,000 in recent years to the American Meat Institute PAC, which gave $25,000 to Romney and the RNC in 2012. | Political connections: $28,000 from CEO Louis Eni, COO Christopher Eni and CFO Cindy Yingling to Christie, Romney Kyrillos, and other Republicans since 2009. The three of them also gave $26,000 in recent years to the American Meat Institute PAC, which gave $25,000 to Romney and the RNC in 2012. |
| Comment: Steve Aaron, a Dietz & Watson spokesman, said in an email: “Dietz & Watson has not accepted any offer of state assistance from New Jersey at this time.” Aaron declined to elaborate on whether the firm would accept the award in the future. | Comment: Steve Aaron, a Dietz & Watson spokesman, said in an email: “Dietz & Watson has not accepted any offer of state assistance from New Jersey at this time.” Aaron declined to elaborate on whether the firm would accept the award in the future. |
| 23. Wenner Bread Products Inc, New Brunswick – $30.4m, Jan 2014 | 23. Wenner Bread Products Inc, New Brunswick – $30.4m, Jan 2014 |
| Project: Expanding the Long Island-based bakery firm’s operations to New Jersey. | Project: Expanding the Long Island-based bakery firm’s operations to New Jersey. |
| Political connections: $35,000 to Romney, the RNC and national GOP committees in 2012 from Jeremy Silverman and Ronald Goldstein, managing directors of parent company Frontenac. $2,400 to Romney and the RNC in 2012 from company president and co-owner Richard Wenner, a former Giuliani donor. | Political connections: $35,000 to Romney, the RNC and national GOP committees in 2012 from Jeremy Silverman and Ronald Goldstein, managing directors of parent company Frontenac. $2,400 to Romney and the RNC in 2012 from company president and co-owner Richard Wenner, a former Giuliani donor. |
| Comment: Asked if the contributions had helped the company secure the subsidy, Wenner said in an email: “Absolutely not”. | Comment: Asked if the contributions had helped the company secure the subsidy, Wenner said in an email: “Absolutely not”. |
| 24. Matrix Upper Lot Urban Renewal LLC, New Brunswick – $28.4m, Oct 2013 | 24. Matrix Upper Lot Urban Renewal LLC, New Brunswick – $28.4m, Oct 2013 |
| Project: Developing a luxury apartment complex and parking garage. | Project: Developing a luxury apartment complex and parking garage. |
| Political connections: $10,000 to the New Jersey Republican Party fromJoseph Taylor, president and CEO of owner-developers Matrix Partners, in 2012. Taylor, formerly a predominantly Democratic contributor, also gave $20,000 to Romney and the RNC in June 2012 and $2,300 to Kyrillos in 2012-13. Matrix partner and head of industrial Alexander Taylor gave another $10,000 to the New Jersey Republican Party in April 2014. He also gave $6,900 to Kyrillos in 2012-13, and $2,500 to Romney in 2012. | |
| Comment: Taylor did not respond to a request for comment. | Comment: Taylor did not respond to a request for comment. |
| 25. Forbes Media LLC, Jersey City – $27.5m, Oct 2013 | 25. Forbes Media LLC, Jersey City – $27.5m, Oct 2013 |
| Project: Relocating the publisher of Forbes magazine from New York to New Jersey. | Project: Relocating the publisher of Forbes magazine from New York to New Jersey. |
| Political connections: $22,200 to Christie and the New Jersey Republicans since 2009 fromSteve Forbes, the CEO of Forbes Inc and editor-in-chief of Forbes Media, and two of his daughters, Moira and Sabina – both executives at Forbes Media. | |
| Forbes, a two-time candidate for the Republican presidential nomination, enthusiastically endorsed Christie in 2009 as “The Real Deal”. He also contributed $2,500 to Kyrillos and $2,500 to Romney in 2012, and previously contributed to Thomas Kean, Christie’s political mentor. His brother Robert Forbes, VP of Forbes Media, gave $2,400 to Romney in 2012. | Forbes, a two-time candidate for the Republican presidential nomination, enthusiastically endorsed Christie in 2009 as “The Real Deal”. He also contributed $2,500 to Kyrillos and $2,500 to Romney in 2012, and previously contributed to Thomas Kean, Christie’s political mentor. His brother Robert Forbes, VP of Forbes Media, gave $2,400 to Romney in 2012. |
| Comment: Asked if the contributions had helped the company secure the subsidy, Mia Carbonnell, a Forbes spokeswoman, said in an email: “No”. | Comment: Asked if the contributions had helped the company secure the subsidy, Mia Carbonnell, a Forbes spokeswoman, said in an email: “No”. |
| 26. Deep Foods Inc, Union Township – $26.9m, Dec 2012 | 26. Deep Foods Inc, Union Township – $26.9m, Dec 2012 |
| Project: Preventing the Indian foods company from moving to Pennsylvania, and expanding its New Jersey facility. | Project: Preventing the Indian foods company from moving to Pennsylvania, and expanding its New Jersey facility. |
| Political connections: No distinct party line. President Arvind Amin has given minor contributions to both Republicans and Democrats. | Political connections: No distinct party line. President Arvind Amin has given minor contributions to both Republicans and Democrats. |
| 27. TR US Inc., Hoboken – $26m, Apr 2014 | 27. TR US Inc., Hoboken – $26m, Apr 2014 |
| Project: Expanding Thomson Reuters’s New Jersey facility and relocating employees in its tax and accounting unit from New York. | Project: Expanding Thomson Reuters’s New Jersey facility and relocating employees in its tax and accounting unit from New York. |
| Political connections: No distinct political contributions. | Political connections: No distinct political contributions. |
| 28. IDT Corporation, Newark – $24.3m, Dec 2013 | 28. IDT Corporation, Newark – $24.3m, Dec 2013 |
| Project: Prevent the telecommunications and payments firm from relocating to Pearl River, New York. | Project: Prevent the telecommunications and payments firm from relocating to Pearl River, New York. |
| Political connections: Tens of thousands of dollars in past years to the New Jersey Republican Party from Jim Courter, a former Republican congressman for New Jersey and former CEO of IDT who continues to work for the firm. Courter gave Romney and the RNC $50,000 in 2012 and $2,500 to Kyrillos. $10,000 to Romney in 2012 from IDT. CEO Howard Jonas has in the past given more than $25,000 to the New Jersey Republican Party. He gave $5,000 to the RNC in 2012 and thousands to other Republican candidates. | Political connections: Tens of thousands of dollars in past years to the New Jersey Republican Party from Jim Courter, a former Republican congressman for New Jersey and former CEO of IDT who continues to work for the firm. Courter gave Romney and the RNC $50,000 in 2012 and $2,500 to Kyrillos. $10,000 to Romney in 2012 from IDT. CEO Howard Jonas has in the past given more than $25,000 to the New Jersey Republican Party. He gave $5,000 to the RNC in 2012 and thousands to other Republican candidates. |
| Comment: William Ulrey, an IDT spokesman, said in an email: "IDT's political action committee and its employees, including Mr. Jonas and Mr. Courter during their respective tenures as CEO of IDT Corporation, contributed to candidates and political parties who supported policies to promote economic growth, security and prosperity for all Americans. We have no reason to believe that any donations made by the Company's political action committee or its executives to candidates of either political party impacted the NJ EDA grant award, and we did not discuss the grant application with Governor Christie nor with his office." | Comment: William Ulrey, an IDT spokesman, said in an email: "IDT's political action committee and its employees, including Mr. Jonas and Mr. Courter during their respective tenures as CEO of IDT Corporation, contributed to candidates and political parties who supported policies to promote economic growth, security and prosperity for all Americans. We have no reason to believe that any donations made by the Company's political action committee or its executives to candidates of either political party impacted the NJ EDA grant award, and we did not discuss the grant application with Governor Christie nor with his office." |
| 29. Harrah’s Atlantic City Holding Inc, Atlantic City – $24.1m, Dec 2012 | 29. Harrah’s Atlantic City Holding Inc, Atlantic City – $24.1m, Dec 2012 |
| Project: Build a conference centre at the Harrah’s resort in the city’s Marina District. | Project: Build a conference centre at the Harrah’s resort in the city’s Marina District. |
| Political connections: $266,350 to the RGA and $200,299 to the Republican state leadership committee since 2011 from Caesar’s Entertainment, Harrah’s parent company. | Political connections: $266,350 to the RGA and $200,299 to the Republican state leadership committee since 2011 from Caesar’s Entertainment, Harrah’s parent company. |
| Comment: Caesar’s Entertainment did not respond to a request for comment. | Comment: Caesar’s Entertainment did not respond to a request for comment. |
| 30. Washington Street University Housing Urban Renewal Associates LLC, Newark – $23.1m, Feb 2014 | 30. Washington Street University Housing Urban Renewal Associates LLC, Newark – $23.1m, Feb 2014 |
| Project: The renovation of a Rutgers University building into student housing. | Project: The renovation of a Rutgers University building into student housing. |
| Political connections: No distinct political contributions. The private partner is Pennrose Properties. Pennrose chairman and CEO Richard Barnhart, and president Mark Dambly, have both made comparable contributions to Republicans and Democrats. | Political connections: No distinct political contributions. The private partner is Pennrose Properties. Pennrose chairman and CEO Richard Barnhart, and president Mark Dambly, have both made comparable contributions to Republicans and Democrats. |