August 27, 2003

ARNONE INSISTS PENSION SYSTEM BE KEPT IN PUBLIC EMPLOYEE HANDS

Assemblyman Michael Arnone today stated his opposition to any attempt by the McGreevey administration to turn over the state pension system to a private firm.

"The pension system represents the retirement savings of thousands of public employees," said Arnone, R-Monmouth, Mercer. "School, municipal, county and state workers all across New Jersey do not want their future retirement jeopardized by allowing politics to play a role in pension fund decisions."

The pension system’s $76 billion portfolio has been managed by public employees for over fifty years, and costs far less to manage than other states which use outside investors. The state treasurer has requested 24 firms to bid on a contract which would in effect privatize the management of the pension fund. The administration claims that by privatizing, a broader range of services could be performed for the portfolio. Public employee unions, such as the CWA and teacher’s union, are adamant in their resistance to any proposed changes in the way the fund is directed.

"The state’s fiduciary responsibility to public employees must outweigh the Governor’s desire to reward his friends with fat commissions," Arnone continued. "The administration is being rather short-sighted to think privatizing the state’s portfolio and pension system will automatically improve performance, especially when you consider the entire market has been bearish for the past couple of years. This sounds like another way to give the Governor’s political allies a big government contract, and this type of partisan meddling is exactly what the pension system does not need."

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August 27, 2003

ALTAMURO: BILLBOARD TASK FORCE REPORT HIGHLIGHTS THE NEED FOR CHANGES

Assemblyman Steve Altamuro Wednesday said he was glad Governor McGreevey had finally agreed – albeit two weeks late – to release the report of the Billboard Policy & Procedure Review Task Force, but that the report does not let the administration off the hook for its actions.

"I look forward to reviewing in detail the recommendations of the Task Force, and hopefully we can get to work on implementing those new policies that will help prevent a repeat of this fiasco," said Altamuro, R-Gloucester, Camden. "I am disappointed that the Governor waited two weeks past the deadline to release the report, but now that it is out we should focus on how best to change the billboard siting process."

According to The Star Ledger the report recommends that billboard development rights be put up for public bid, that billboard developers go before local zoning and planning boards even when building on state owned property, and that special waivers be reviewed by the Statehouse Commission.

Altamuro said that he is disappointed the report did not specifically address the actions of the McGreevey administration that led to this review, and that the Governor is not off the hook just because this report has been issued.

"Federal authorities are still investigating this matter and hopefully those who were responsible for these actions will be held accountable," Altamuro said. "Simply issuing this report does not absolve the McGreevey administration of responsibility for its actions."

The billboardgate scandal came to light when it was reported that McGreevey campaign officials Paul Levinsohn and Gary Taffet, were responsible for the construction of a billboard along the Atlantic City Expressway in Washington Township, despite a township ordinance banning billboards.

Newspaper reports this spring suggested that the two officials working on Governor McGreevey’s transition team used their influence to win approval of the billboard through a state agency because it was to be sited on state owned property in Washington Township.

Later reports indicated that the officials also may have used their position of influence to win similar billboard approvals in other parts of the state, and to delay the approval of competing billboards in other locations.

In the wake of these reports, Governor McGreevey announced on May 13 that he was creating a Billboard Policy and Procedure Review Task Force to review billboard siting and approval procedures.

Assemblyman Altamuro is currently looking at the possibility of introducing legislation that would ensure local control of the billboard approval process, even if the billboard is to be located on state-owned property.

"When a town adopts an ordinance banning billboards, they should have the power to enforce that ban throughout the town, even on state owned property. By changing this law the Legislature can ensure that the wishes of local residents are not overlooked," Altamuro said. "This proposal would make sure we do not have a repeat of the circumstances that led to the construction of this now infamous billboard."

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August 26, 2003

FRISCIA SAYS STATE SHOULD NOT HAND OUT SUBSIDY FOR PROPOSED CORZINE-KUSHNER NETS PURCHASE

Assemblywoman Arline Friscia today urged the McGreevey administration and the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority to reject any proposal to provide a taxpayer-funded subsidy for the purchase of the New Jersey Nets at a time when the Governor has cut back on crucial property tax relief programs.

"It has been demonstrated that the citizens of this state are not willing to pay a subsidy to build a new arena for the Nets in Newark," said Friscia, R-Middlesex. "I think it is a safe bet that the taxpayers will also be opposed to any plan that requires them to subsidize the sale of the Nets to two wealthy individuals who happen to be political allies of Governor McGreevey."

According to reports in a number of newspapers U.S. Senator Jon Corzine and top McGreevey campaign contributor Charles Kushner are asking the state to kick-in $125 million toward their purchase of the Nets in an effort to keep the team in New Jersey.

"At a time when Governor McGreevey has cut back on senior property tax relief and the New Jersey SAVER property tax rebate program, there is no excuse for considering a $125 million handout to the Governor’s political friends," Friscia said. "We have more pressing budget needs in this state than subsidizing a private business venture for Jon Corzine and Charlie Kushner."

"Jon Corzine had the $63 million to get himself elected to the Senate so he shouldn’t need to ask for a taxpayer subsidy," Friscia said. "As our Senator he should focus his energy on fighting to get us a better return on our federal tax dollars – a category in which we rank last – instead of trying to make a profit off the taxpayers of this state."

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August 25, 2003

The current state and federal investigations into the questionable fundraising tactics of developer and McGreevey friend Charles Kushner should give the state pause before it enters into any agreement to build him a new arena if he purchases the NJ Nets, Assemblywoman Rose Heck said today.

"Before the state establishes a sweetheart deal for a new arena for Charlie Kushner, it should seriously consider the ongoing investigations into his fundraising for the Democrats," said Heck, R-Bergen. "I’m all for someone buying the Nets and keeping the team in New Jersey, but the state shouldn’t be dealing with and rewarding someone who is under criminal investigation."

In February 2003 federal prosecutors subpoenaed documents from Kushner regarding his business dealings, and soon after, the N.J. Attorney General began to explore allegations of potential illegal campaign contributions Kusher made to McGreevey and the Democrat Party. As a result of the inquiries, Kushner resigned his seat on the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

"All questions of improper fundraising must be cleared up before Mr. Kushner receives any personal benefit from the state," Heck said. "Something is really wrong in the State of New Jersey if someone being investigated can also enter into a deal with the state at the same time."

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August 25, 2003

Responding to reports that state officials have banned Angelo Prisco from Atlantic City casinos because he is a suspected mob boss, Assemblyman James Holzapfel Monday asked why the state Parole Board decided to release the reputed mob boss from prison in the first place.

"If the state believes Mr. Prisco is the head of an organized crime family, why on earth did they decide to grant him an early release from prison?" asked Holzapfel, R-Ocean and Monmouth. "This latest development highlights why the public needs answers about what role the Governor’s Office played in Mr. Prisco’s early release."

In March Gannett Newspapers reported that an investigation was being conducted into whether Jim Davy, the operations chief for the McGreevey administration, played a role in the early release of Prisco who was sentenced to 12 years in prison in 1998 on charges of arson and conspiracy.

At the time of these news reports Holzapfel, a former Ocean County Prosecutor and chairman of the Parole Reform Commission, called for an SCI investigation of the matter, and introduced a resolution to launch the investigation.

"I find it very ironic that several months after administration officials are accused of pulling strings to set Mr. Prisco free, state officials have now decided to ban him from the casinos," Holzapfel said. "It would seem to me that the best way to keep Mr. Prisco from visiting the casinos would have been to keep him in his prison cell for his full sentence."

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August 22, 2003

ROONEY: JOSEPHSON SHOULD STEP DOWN FROM POST AT THE DIVISION OF LAW

Assemblyman John Rooney today called on Paul Josephson to step down from his position as the Director of the Division of Law, citing his possible involvement in two McGreevey scandals now being investigated by authorities.

"Paul Josephson was McGreevey’s campaign attorney as the campaign apparently turned a blind eye to Roger Chugh’s illegal fundraising activity," said Rooney, R-Bergen. "His credibility as the Director of the Division of Law has been undermined by both this story and his involvement in billboardgate."

According to news reports the McGreevey for Governor campaign largely ignored repeated complaints about Chugh’s heavy-handed – possibly illegal – fundraising practices during the 2001 gubernatorial campaign.

In addition to being McGreevey’s campaign attorney at the time of the Chugh matter, Josephson also played a role in the ongoing scandal surrounding a billboard business operated by Paul Levinsohn and former McGreevey Chief of Staff Gary Taffet. It was Josephson who allegedly intervened to block the DRPA from issuing billboard approvals to a competing company.

"To have an individual heading the Division of Law, who is now closely involved in two major scandals being investigated by state and federal authorities, is inappropriate," Rooney said. "In order to restore confidence in the integrity of the Attorney General’s Office and the Division of Law, Mr. Josephson should step aside – at least until these investigations are complete."

Rooney said that Josephson should be removed from this post voluntarily or otherwise.

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August 21, 2003

DeCROCE CALLS ON SPEAKER SIRES TO LOOK INTO CHUGH’S FUND-RAISING PRACTICES

August 19, 2003

Assemblywoman Rose Heck today cautioned the McGreevey administration on its involvement to sell the NJ Nets basketball team to a prominent Democrat ally and fundraiser.

"What we have here could be another example of business as usual in Trenton," said Heck, R Bergen. "There is the potential for this sale to turn into a sweetheart deal for McGreevey’s close friend, Charlie Kushner."

According to reports in the Star Ledger and The Record, Kushner appears to be negotiating the purchase of the Nets along with Senator Jon Corzine. The articles refer to sources that say McGreevey has contacted the Mills Corporation, part of the partnership planning the Meadowlands Xanadu project, to buy the team along with Kushner and Corzine.

"If the Mills Corp. is now going to be involved in this deal, I think that we need to see a new Request for Proposal (RFP) on the Meadowlands," Heck continued. "If McGreevey is busy negotiating behind the scenes, there should be no hint of favoritism whatsoever, and the administration should not broker a deal that later is called into question.

"I sincerely hope that the NJ Sports and Exposition Authority will not bend the rules and give Kushner any special consideration, since he is currently under both state and federal investigations over improper political contributions to McGreevey and the Democrats, which cost him his seat on the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey" said Heck. "The people of New Jersey are already mistrustful of the way the McGreevey administration favors and rewards its Democrat friends, and this deal, should it go through without regard for state regulations, will further sour the public’s perception of business as usual in Trenton."

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August 19, 2003

CALLS FOR INDEPENDENT PROBE CITING LAW DIRECTOR JOSEPHSON’S LINKS TO CAMPAIGN

Assemblyman John Rooney, R-Bergen, today said that an independent counsel, not the Attorney General’s Office, should be investigating allegations of illegal fundraising tactics employed by Roger Chugh on behalf of Governor McGreevey’s 2001 campaign.

"The Director of the Division of Law, Paul Josephson was McGreevey’s top campaign attorney," said Rooney, R-Bergen. "That presents a clear conflict of interest for the Attorney General’s Office in investigating Chugh’s actions as they relate to campaign fundraising."

According to reports in the Sunday edition of The Record of Hackensack, Paul Levinsohn, the campaign’s chief fundraiser, was responsible for investigating complaints about Chugh’s fundraising practices during the 2001 gubernatorial campaign.

Rooney noted that Josephson also played a role in the ongoing scandal surrounding a billboard business operated by Levinsohn and former McGreevey Chief of Staff Gary Taffet.

"Not only was Josephson the McGreevey campaign attorney, but he is a close associate of Levinsohn who reviewed the Chugh contributions," Rooney said. "Given these circumstances, I would feel a lot more confident about this investigation if it were conducted by an office other than that of the Attorney General."

Rooney said that for these reasons he believes it is appropriate for an independent counsel to be appointed who could look into the allegations of a possible "shake-down" by Chugh of campaign contributors.

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August 14, 2003

DAY 3

Under Executive Order 59, issued on May 12 by Governor McGreevey, a task force that was charged with undertaking an examination of the siting of billboards on public and private land and the practices and procedures taken by various government agencies in the approval process, was ordered to report within 90 days.

McGreevey issued the executive order after newspapers reported on the business dealings of Paul Levinsohn and Gary Taffet, Governor McGreevey’s former top aides, who are currently under investigation for actions they took to secure billboard site approvals.

The Governor’s Office has acknowledged the report is on the Governor’s desk, but has not released the report to the public.

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August 13, 2003

FRISCIA CALLS ON GOVERNOR TO RELEASE BILLBOARD TASK FORCE REPORT

Assemblywoman Arline Friscia today called on Governor McGreevey to make public the report presented to him by the Billboard Policy and Procedure Review Task Force – two days after the deadline has passed for the task force to issue its findings and recommendations.

"When Governor McGreevey appointed this task force to study the guidelines and procedures for siting billboards in New Jersey I think we all believed we would be able to see the final product," said Friscia, R-Middlesex. "Now that the report has been compiled and presented to the Governor, he should make the findings public."

The Governor’s Executive Order 59 issued on May 12 established a moratorium and created a task force that was charged with undertaking an examination of the siting of billboards on public and private land and the practices and procedures taken by various government agencies in the approval process. The task force was ordered to report within 90 days.

McGreevey issued the executive order after newspapers reported on the business dealings of Paul Levinsohn and Gary Taffet, Governor McGreevey’s former top aides, who are currently under investigation for actions they took to secure billboard site approvals. At least one billboard in question was located in Friscia’s district in the town of Woodbridge.

"The Governor should not be making changes to the report so there is no reason why it should be kept private while he reviews the findings," Friscia said. "If the report is complete it should be released to the public immediately."

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August 13, 2003

ALTAMURO: TIME’S UP, WHERE IS THE BILLBOARD REPORT?

Assemblyman Stephen Altamuro today questioned where the report of the Governor’s Billboard Policy and Procedure Review Task Force is, since Monday was the deadline for the task force to issue its findings and recommendations.

"On May 12, Governor McGreevey established a cabinet-level task force, with public members, to study the guidelines and procedures for siting billboards in New Jersey," said Altamuro, R-Gloucester, Camden. "To date we have heard little about the Task Force’s activities and are yet to see the report they were due to issue two days ago."

"The Governor doesn’t have editorial control," Altamuro said. "If the report is done it should be released to the public immediately."

Concerned about the troubling business dealings of Paul Levinsohn and Gary Taffet, Governor McGreevey’s former top aides, who are currently under criminal investigation for actions they took to secure billboard site approvals, the Governor called for a thorough look at the State’s billboard policies. The Governor’s Executive Order 59 issued on May 12 established a moratorium and created a task force that was charged with undertaking an examination of the siting of billboards on public and private land and the practices and procedures taken by various government agencies in the approval process. The task force was ordered to report within 90 days.

"I call on Governor McGreevey to release the report and all supporting documents today in compliance with his Executive Order. The people of New Jersey have the right to know if the system was compromised by members of his administration," said Altamuro. "And the people of Washington Township deserve to know how their local authority banning billboards was ignored by the Governor’s two top aides."

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August 06, 2003

ALTAMURO SAYS DEMOCRAT RHETORIC ON SENIOR PROPERTY TAX FREEZE IS A LITTLE LATE

IF DEMOCRATS WERE REALLY CONCERNED THEY WOULDN’T HAVE SUPPORTED A BUDGET THAT CUT THE PROGRAM IN THE FIRST PLACE

Assemblyman Steve Altamuro Wednesday said that while he would welcome the assistance of Democrat legislators in restoring the Senior and Disabled Citizens Property Tax Freeze Program, he wonders why they have decided to speak up now after voting just five weeks ago for the budget that cut the program.

Altamuro was responding to a story in the Gloucester County Times in which Assemblymen Robert J. Smith, John Burzichelli and Douglas Fisher said they planned to introduce legislation to restore the program that freezes property taxes for seniors.

"With all due respect, I think it is a little disingenuous to vote for a budget that cuts a vital program, and then five weeks later to try to get good press by saying that you will introduce a bill to restore the program," said Altamuro, R-Gloucester, Camden. "If these Democrats were truly concerned about this cut, they would have joined me and my 36 Republican colleagues in opposing this budget."

Governor McGreevey’s Fiscal Year 2004 Budget slams the door on the senior property tax freeze program to any new applicants, and cuts back on the size of the reimbursement to be received by existing enrollees of the program.

Altamuro, and all 37 members of the Republican caucus, voted to oppose the budget for a variety of reasons, including the fact that it cut this very program.

"Since the Democrats control the Legislature and the Governor’s Office, I’m not sure they will be able to call us back into session to pass this legislation and restore this program," Altamuro said. "I know that my 37 Republican colleagues and I would welcome the Democrats joining us in our continuing efforts to help restore the full senior citizen property tax freeze program. I will be anxiously awaiting the notice from Democrat leadership as to when we are to return to Trenton to deal with this issue."

Altamuro stressed that the program should be restored with existing revenues, and that he does not believe another tax should be increased or created so that the Democrats can restore this property tax freeze.

Altamuro said that he doubts the Democrats will ever act on the proposed legislation.

"I suspect that if they were really concerned about saving this program, they would have done so when they actually had the chance to – before this budget was approved," Altamuro said. "I’m afraid this day late, dollar short initiative from the Democrats will probably amount to little more than election year rhetoric."

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August 05, 2003

ALTAMURO BILL TO PUNISH DROWSY DRIVERS SIGNED INTO LAW

Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Stephen Altamuro that allows prosecutors to charge motorists who cause another person’s death by driving while fatigued with vehicular homicide was signed into law today by Governor James McGreevey.

This bill, A-1347 amended current law to define a driver who causes a fatal crash after 24 consecutive hours without sleep as reckless and subject to a crime under the vehicular homicide statute. Under this law, a driver could be charged with a second-degree crime and serve up to 10 years in prison and pay a $150,000 fine.

"A sleep-deprived driver is just as dangerous as someone who is impaired by alcohol or drugs," said Altamuro, R-Gloucester, Camden. "Rather than allowing these reckless drivers to get back on the road and jeopardize the safety of other motorists, we established real and serious consequences for their actions."

The measure is commonly referred to as "Maggie’s Law" after Margaret "Maggie" McDonnell who was killed in 1997 by Michael Coleman after he swerved across three lanes and crashed head-on into her car. A jury acquitted Coleman of vehicular homicide despite admitting to staying awake for more than 30 hours before the fatal accident.

"Maggie’s Law leaves no room for doubt," said Altamuro. "This measure ensures that, in the future, a crime like Coleman’s will not go unpunished."

The bill passed the New Jersey General Assembly on June 23, 2003 by a vote of 73-4-1 and passed the state Senate by a vote of 37-1.

"I am proud to have sponsored a bill that will keep our streets safer," Altamuro said. "I look forward to building upon this success and continuing to strengthen our state’s approach to this problem."

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August 05, 2003

DiGAETANO WELCOMES ASSEMBLYWOMAN FRISCIA AS NEWEST MEMBER OF REPUBLICAN CAUCUS

UNPRECEDENTED THIRD DEFECTION FROM DEMOCRAT CAUCUS, THIS TIME IN GOV’S HOMETOWN HIGHLIGHTS PARTY’S FAILURES

Assembly Republican Leader Paul DiGaetano issued the following statement today following the announcement that Middlesex County Assemblywoman Arline Friscia was leaving the Democrat Party to join the Assembly Republican caucus:

"First I would like to welcome Assemblywoman Friscia to the Republican Party. She brings a solid record of accomplishment to our caucus, having championed a variety of important child safety bills and healthcare initiatives during her four terms in the Legislature. We are proud she has decided to work together with the Assembly Republicans.

"Assemblywoman Friscia has always demonstrated an independent approach to public policy issues, and I respect the fact that she was willing to buck the Governor’s leadership without having to change her vote after the fact. Perhaps that is why the boss-controlled Democrat Party decided to abandon her in this election. I assure you the Democrats’ loss is our party’s gain as Assemblywoman Friscia brings an important new voice and a wealth of experience to our caucus. Her presence will be truly valued in our caucus.

"I am also proud to welcome yet another woman member to our Republican caucus. It is unfortunate that the Democrats chose to drop an effective woman legislator from their ticket to make room for a member of their party’s old boys club. We are more than happy to have another voice representing women’s issues in our caucus.

"On a larger scale, I think that today’s decision by Assemblywoman Friscia highlights a growing problem for the Democrats. I believe it is unprecedented for the Governor’s party to suffer three defections in less than two years in control of the Legislature. One of those defections, Assemblyman Fraguela, is from Speaker Sires’ home district. Another, Assemblywoman Friscia, is from Governor McGreevey’s hometown. When the Democrat Party is losing elected legislators from the home districts of two of its most powerful leaders, that signals that they have a serious credibility problem.

"I believe this news also demonstrates that the Republican Party is the party that is growing and reaching out to diverse constituencies, while the Democrats are pushing away these key constituencies. We are the party that is welcoming women to our ranks both as members and candidates. And we are the party that is welcoming Hispanics to our ranks both as members and candidates. We are also continuing to reach out to other constituent groups as part of our efforts at building a new Republican majority in New Jersey. The Democrats on the other hand, appear to be driving these important voices out of their caucus.

"We believe that as the people of New Jersey continue to learn that we are the Party that is truly concerned about fighting for the families and children of this state, our ranks will continue to grow. We welcome these new members to our Party and will strive to serve their best interests in Trenton.

"Thank you, and once again, welcome to Assemblywoman Friscia."

With Assemblywoman Friscia’s decision to leave the Democrat caucus, the Democrats now hold only a 41-38-1 seat advantage in the General Assembly. Earlier this year Assemblyman Rafael Fraguela switched from the Democrat Party to the Republican Party, and Assemblyman Matt Ahearn left the Democrat Party to join the Green Party.

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VANDERVALK HAILS FRISCIA AS NEWEST REPUBLICAN ASSEMBLYWOMAN

July 24, 2003

HECK-ALTAMURO TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION CLARIFYING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY REPRODUCTION

Supreme Court Once Again Legislates from the Bench

Assembly members Rose Heck and Stephen Altamuro today said they would be introducing legislation to explicitly outline what constitutes reproduction of child pornography, in response to today’s state Supreme Court ruling.

"I am appalled that the Supreme Court justices could completely water down a law intended to protect our children," said Heck, R-Bergen. "If the Supreme Court is going to allow anyone with access to a computer to propagate child pornography, then it’s time to give the Court the direction it needs to make a more sensible decision."

"Internet-based child pornography is a growing concern," said Altamuro, R-Gloucester, Camden. "We need to ensure that any and all reproduction and distribution of child pornography be outlawed."

The state Supreme Court, in a 4-3 ruling, found that "reproduction" under current law does not include printing computer images of child pornography. The case centered around a Morris County man who printed out child pornography at a local library. In the majority decision, the justices ruled that the intent of the legislation was to punish more severely those who create child pornography, rather than those who possess it.

"I’ve dedicated my entire career in the Legislature to protecting children, and I am not about to permit the Supreme Court to undo what we have accomplished." declared Heck. "Even Justice Albin, a former criminal defense lawyer, realized this was beyond the scope of the Court and voted in dissent."

"When I was selected to fill this seat, I made protecting our children and our families my top priorities," Altamuro said. "Our legislation will close this court-imposed loophole and prevent any damage this ruling will cause."

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July 24, 2003

ROONEY APPLAUDS GOVERNOR FOR RECOGNIZING ETHICAL LAPSE, PAYING FOR PUERTO RICO TRIP

CAUTIONS THAT GOVERNOR SHOULD PAY OUT OF POCKET – NOT HIS TAXPAYER FUNDED DISCRETIONARY ACCOUNT

Assemblyman John Rooney, R-Bergen, issued the following statement today after hearing of Governor McGreevey’s decision to pay for the cost of his trip to Puerto Rico, a trip that the Governor originally planned to have funded entirely by the International Longshoreman’s Association:

"I would like to applaud Governor McGreevey for recognizing this ethical lapse and agreeing to do the right thing. I hope that when the Governor says he will pay for the trip he means he will do so from his personal funds, not from the taxpayer-funded gubernatorial discretionary account.

"I also hope he will pick up the tab for any other staff that attended this trip. It was his decision to go that necessitated their attendance and it would be appropriate for him to pay for their expenses as well.

"My hope would be that in the future the Governor would avoid these situations before they are brought to light by the media. It is easy to do the right thing once the media has reported on your actions and the public starts paying attention, but the Governor should not be placing himself in these positions in the first place.

"Next year the Governor should listen to those promotional tourism ads he’s been filming, and stick closer to home. We have a great state, and I’m sure there are plenty of places he can find to vacation in New Jersey. I hear he even has a pretty nice beach house."

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July 22, 2003

ROONEY: REVELATION OF FEDERAL PROBE INTO UNION PAYING FOR McGREEVEY TRIP RAISES NEW CONCERNS

ASSEMBLYMAN SENDS LETTER TO COMMISSION ON ETHICAL STANDARDS

Assemblyman John Rooney today repeated his call for Governor McGreevey to return any money he has received from the International Longshoreman’s Association in the wake of news reports that the union is being targeted by a federal racketeering probe."I do not think it reflects well on our state that a union being investigated by federal authorities for possible organized crime ties is now paying for the Governor and his family to vacation in Puerto Rico," said Rooney, R-Bergen. "If the blatant conflict of interest wasn’t bad enough to force the Governor to act, perhaps he would at least consider paying back this money to salvage the image of our state."Stories published today by The Star Ledger and the Asbury Park Press indicate that the federal government is investigating possible racketeering charges against the union’s Bayonne local, because of possible ties to the Genovese crime family.Yesterday Rooney called on the Governor to pay his own way for a six-day trip to Puerto Rico, after revelations that the Longshoremen’s union was picking up the tab for the Governor and his family. The Governor will speak to the union today, but the trip is also part of a family vacation.Rooney today sent a letter to the Executive Commission on Ethical Standards asking that they look into whether McGreevey’s decision to let the union pay for his trip violates the state’s conflict of interest statute. He also asked whether the money will be reportable as taxable income."People are very skeptical about the integrity of elected officials, and it certainly doesn’t help when the top elected official in our state gets an all expenses paid trip to Puerto Rico from a union that has contributed money to his campaigns," Rooney said. "Revelations that this union also may have organized crime connections will only further tarnish the image of our state."Rooney said he is also concerned about newspaper reports linking this issue to the early prison release of Angelo Prisco, a reputed member of the Genovese crime family. There have been allegations that officials in the McGreevey administration pressured the state parole board to reverse an earlier decision to deny Prisco parole."The Governor has spent millions of taxpayer dollars on an advertising campaign urging people to vacation in New Jersey," Rooney concluded. "Maybe he should heed his own advice and choose to vacation here instead of Ireland or Puerto Rico."

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July 21, 2003

ROONEY RAISES QUESTIONS ABOUT LEGALITY OF UNION PICKING UP EXPENSES FOR McGREEVEY VACATION

QUESTIONS WHETHER UNION IS PERMITTED TO PAY FOR PERSONAL EXPENSES

Assemblyman John Rooney today said he is concerned that Governor McGreevey may be violating state ethics laws by accepting money from a union to cover the personal expenses McGreevey and his family will incur on a trip this week to Puerto Rico.

"It certainly appears inappropriate for this union – which is a contributor to the Governor’s campaign – to pick up the bill for what will essentially be a McGreevey family vacation," said Rooney, R-Bergen. "I intend to ask the Executive Commission on Ethical Standards to look into this matter."

A story in the Saturday edition of The Star Ledger reported that McGreevey will be speaking to the International Longshoremen’s Association at their convention to be held in San Juan this week. The Longshoremen’s Association will be picking up almost all of the costs of this six-day trip which the Governor’s spokesperson acknowledged will be at least partly a family vacation.

"According to this story, it would appear that Rita Strmensky, the executive director of the Executive Commission on Ethical Standards, may believe there are grounds for a further review of this matter," Rooney said. "Clearly she has a different interpretation of the rules than the Governor’s ethics liaison officer."

Rooney said that he believes Governor McGreevey should pay out of his own pocket for any expenses not directly related to his speech to the Longshoremen’s Association – an event that Rooney notes should only take up one day on the Governor’s calendar.

"I do appreciate the fact that Governor McGreevey didn’t try to stick taxpayers with the bill for this trip like he did on his Ireland journey last year," Rooney said. "However having a union pick up the bill for his personal expenses raises a different set of ethical questions. I think he should pay his own way to avoid any appearance of a conflict."

Last November the Governor was forced to use money from the Democratic State Committee to pay back the state after he stuck taxpayers with a $105,000 bill for his trip to Ireland, including more than $42,000 for hotel expenses, $21,000 for chauffeur services, and $16,000 for cell phone usage.

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July 17, 2003

DiGAETANO TO DEMOCRATS: THE TAXPAYERS KNOW EXACTLY WHAT GOVERNOR McGREEVEY HAS DONE

Assembly Republican Leader Paul DiGaetano issued the following statement today in response to a press release from the Democrat State Chairwoman in which she says the Governor’s low poll ratings result from the fact that, "the voters may not immediately recognize," what McGreevey has done for the state:

"The Democrats seem to be saying that the reason why Governor McGreevey is unpopular is because the voters just don’t understand what he has done for them. I think the voters of this state know exactly what they have gotten from Governor McGreevey – broken promises, higher taxes, increased spending, patronage, and investigations.

"The people of this state will never ‘take the side’ of a Party that has cut education aid, increased taxes, slashed property tax relief, and blocked efforts at true government reform. Rather than accuse the citizens of this state of not being able to "understand and appreciate" the Governor’s actions, perhaps for a change they should listen to what the citizens are saying and begin to govern in accordance with those wishes."

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July 17, 2003

GREGG: COST OF GOVERNMENT DAY COMES A LITTLE LATE FOR NEW JERSEY RESIDENTS

Assembly Republican Appropriations Officer Guy Gregg wants New Jersey residents to be aware just how heavy the tax burden is in New Jersey, and he said that the recent Cost of Government Day is just the occasion to put the issue in perspective.

National Cost of Government Day for 2003 was July 11 of last week. This is the day on which the average American worker has earned enough income to cover the cost of government at the local, state, and federal level. In New Jersey, that date will not occur until July 20 – later than all but four other states.

"If Americans stop to realize that they have to work more than half of the year just to pay the taxes government collects I think they will be outraged," said Gregg, R-Sussex, Morris and Hunterdon. "It adds insult to injury that because of the particularly heavy tax and regulatory burden here in New Jersey that we have to work even longer to pay those tax bills."

According to information provided by Americans for Tax Reform (ATR), the average American works 193 days to pay for the cost of government, including 87 days for federal taxes, 43 days for state and local taxes, and another 63 days to cover the costs incurred as a result of government regulation. In New Jersey Cost of Government Day comes 9 days later at 202 days.

"If New Jersey residents think that more and more of their paycheck is going to fund government, they are right," Gregg said.

According to ATR, Cost of Government Day falls 4.5 days later this year than last, and 17 days later than in 2000.

"There is no reason in a country that values freedom, liberty, and entrepreneurship, that individuals should be working half the year for their government, but that is exactly what we are doing," Gregg said. "Hopefully as a government we can start looking at ways to reverse this trend."

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July 01, 2003

DEMOCRATS CONTINUE TO PROTECT THEIR OWN

– R. J. Smith and Party Colleagues Ignore Municipal Rights over Billboards –

Assemblyman Stephen Altamuro today blasted R. J. Smith for supporting a measure eliminating municipal control over billboard construction.

"Less than two weeks ago the Assembly Budget Committee adopted a Republican amendment that would allow local officials to maintain control over the construction of billboards in their towns, even if the billboards are to be located on state owned property," said Altamuro, R-Camden, Gloucester. "At a time when billboard construction is so contentious, this amendment would have assured municipalities the final say in outdoor sign development.

"The fact that the promised amendment was left out of today’s measure shows where the Democrats’ priorities truly lie," Altamuro added.

Altamuro said two of Governor McGreevey’s campaign officials operating a billboard business in the weeks prior to assuming their duties within the Governor’s Office were able to win approval for the construction of a billboard in Washington Township even though the town had an ordinance banning billboards.

"R. J. Smith is clearly more concerned with protecting the Governor and his associates than he is in defending the rights of the people of Washington Township," Altamuro said. "Assemblyman Smith failed his hometown constituents today when he voted to delete municipal rights over billboard development.

"Washington Township has already suffered at the expense of the Governor’s cronies because of their disregard for the people’s stated desire to prohibit billboards in town," Altamuro said. "If

R. J. Smith wants to look out for his political bosses, I think it is time for someone else to look out for his constituents."

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