morrisdems.org [morrisdems.org]
UPDATE FROM THE MORRIS DEMS
Happy Friday John,
This week, AI made headlines across New Jersey. Here in Morris, we saw discussions about data center ordinances; questions about Rep. Tom Kean Jr trading AI stocks while also sitting on the House committee that regulates them; and Gov. Sherrill signed a new state law banning AI-powered surveillance pricing. We also celebrated National Intern Day! Here's what you need to know about the stories making news in Morris County, Trenton, and Washington.
Rockaway Borough Residents Push Back Against Possible Data Center Development
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The debate over AI data centers has reached Morris County. Rockaway Borough officials had been discussing how the town’s zoning rules could be amended to address data centers, with some council members interested in leaving the door open to smaller facilities that they say could bring additional tax revenue. That possibility sparked strong opposition from residents concerned that changing the zoning code would eventually allow industrial data center development in the Borough.
In response, Councilman Robert DeVito introduced an ordinance that took the opposite approach: it would prohibit data centers in every zoning district. The proposed ban failed on July 9 by a 4–2 vote. Some council members voting no said they needed more information, while others argued that a total ban was too broad and could prevent the Borough from considering smaller AI data center facilities.
The vote led to significant public outcry. According to reporting by Hannah Peters in The Citizen [[link removed]] , residents packed the July 23 council meeting and urged officials to reverse course. Rockaway Borough resident and 2026 Democratic council candidate Cliff Dawkins argued that the Borough should place residents’ quality of life ahead of the possibility of additional tax revenue:
“We already have energy and environmental issues in our town, like blackouts caused by old fallen trees. Still, losing power because a beautiful tree came down in the storm is a much better problem to have than the problems recorded by bringing in heavy, largely experimental industrial tech into the small town.”
Following nearly two hours of public comment, the Borough Council reconsidered the proposed ban on data centers. Council President Melissa Burnside said she had changed her position after researching the issue and would now support the ban. However, three council members continued to oppose the measure, resulting in a 3–3 tie . Because the ordinance did not receive a majority of votes, it failed to pass, leaving the future of data center development in Rockaway Borough unresolved.
Kean's AI Investments Draw Scrutiny as New Jersey Debates Data Centers
The rapid expansion of AI data centers has become one of New Jersey's most contentious energy issues. An analysis by New Jersey Policy Perspective found that growing demand from data centers is contributing to higher electricity costs [[link removed]] , with New Jersey residents seeing electric bills rise by as much as 22% over the past year , one of the largest increases in the country. Residents in communities considering or hosting data centers have also raised concerns about increased electricity demand, water use, noise, and impacts on local infrastructure.
Against that backdrop, on July 29 Gothamist/WNYC reported that NJ-07 Rep. Tom Kean Jr. bought and sold shares in companies that manufacture components used in AI data centers; [[link removed]] Kean Jr. serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees AI-related policy.
According to the article, “ The reports show he reaped up to $30,000 from sales of some of the shares this past April ,” while he was on medical leave from Congress.
According to Gothamist/WNYC , Kean spokesperson Harrison Neely did not directly answer questions about the AI-related trades. Ethics advocates argue members of Congress should not own or profit from stocks in industries affected by the committees on which they serve.
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Celebrating National Intern Day
National Intern Day, celebrated each year on July 30, recognizes the contributions of interns while highlighting the important role internships play in developing professional skills, expanding networks, and preparing the next generation of leaders. Research consistently identifies internships as one of the most effective forms of experiential learning , where students have the opportunity to apply what they've learned in the classroom to real-world challenges.
Political campaigns and civic organizations provide a particularly unique learning environment because no two days are alike. Interns may help organize events, create graphics and social media content, draft newsletters and press materials, conduct research, recruit volunteers, analyze voter data, make phone calls, canvass neighborhoods, and support the countless behind-the-scenes efforts that keep campaigns moving. Along the way, they gain firsthand experience in communications, teamwork, problem-solving, project management, and public engagement.
At the Morris County Democratic Committee, interns work with campaign professionals, elected officials, and community leaders while also meeting with experienced practitioners from across the political field to learn about career paths in campaigns, government, advocacy, and public service.
As County Commissioner campaign manager Danielle O'Byrne shared:
"Our summer interns have been a phenomenal addition to the Morris County team! This summer they've had the opportunity to talk directly with voters, both over the phone and at their doors. They've also met with professionals from across the political field to learn about their careers, what they do, and how they got to where they are. We are so grateful for their support and are looking forward to the rest of the summer together!"
To all of our current and former interns, thank you. Your enthusiasm, hard work, and commitment to public service make our organization stronger, and we are grateful for the role you play in building a more engaged and vibrant Morris County.
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If you only read one thing…
Sherrill administration, voting-rights advocates win major victory in Trump voter roll lawsuit [[link removed]]
“A federal judge handed Gov. Mikie Sherrill and a broad coalition of voting-rights advocates a major victory Wednesday, July 29, dismissing with prejudice a Trump administration lawsuit seeking New Jersey’s complete voter-registration database, including confidential driver’s license numbers and partial Social Security numbers . The dismissal with prejudice prevents the Justice Department from refiling the case under the same legal theory, although the Trump administration may appeal. The ruling was also a significant victory for advocacy organizations and individual voters who intervened to support New Jersey’s refusal to turn over confidential voter information.”
If You Only Share One Thing…
Governor Sherrill Signs the Fair Price Protection Act [[link removed]] to Shield New Jersey Grocery Shoppers from Surveillance Pricing: New law prohibits retailers from using shoppers’ personal data to charge different prices for identical products.
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“The average family paid $310 more at the grocery store last year because of Trump’s illegal tariffs. New Jerseyans need relief. That’s why I signed a new law to bring more transparency to grocery shopping and put a stop to personalized price hikes,” said Governor Sherrill.
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If You Only Say One Thing…
“ Surveillance-based pricing is a threat to marketplace fairness, consumer privacy, and affordability . At a time when families across New Jersey are struggling to make ends meet, the idea that the price of something as essential as groceries could be manipulated, often based on information that isn't even reliable, just to maximize profits, is unacceptable,” said New Jersey Citizen Action Executive Director Dena Mottola Jaborska. “The Fair Price Protection Act restores a basic principle of consumer fairness. We applaud the legislature for passing this bill to protect consumers from technology that can be used to exploit them because of their needs, preferences, and vulnerabilities."
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Morris County Democratic Committee
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Morristown, NJ 07960
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