September 28, 2007

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT . . .

Release the plan
Political Commentary by the Daily Muse, In the Lobby.Net, September 28, 2007

Just a day after an open records expert warned about the number of escape hatches it contained, we may soon find out how big an “asset” the state’s Open Public Records Act actually is.

Republicans have gone to court to force the administration to release a consultant report on the revenue potential from the state’s toll roads – a nearly $900,000 study that the administration commissioned as part of its efforts to “monetize” the state’s assets.

The GOP had initially sought the $887,838 report from Steer Davies Gleave under the state’s Open Public Records Act. But Treasury officials denied the request, saying it was incomplete and that the study was “advisory, consultive and deliberative.”

“Advisory, consultive and deliberative“ are key phrases that government officials can use to try and shield what would otherwise be public information.

But in their lawsuit, the GOP contends that the administration is acting more out of fear of disclosure – and said that any deliberative information could be redacted out of the report before it is released.

"Its embarrassment or concerns about how some people may use the information, data and scientific-based projections contained in the denied report does not amount to a lawful reason to deny the public an opportunity to review it, nor does it give rise to heightened protections under the deliberative process privilege," the suit reads, according to the Gannett Statehouse Bureau.

But the overriding issue for both parties is the upcoming November election. Polls have consistently shown that asset monetization – the governor’s phrase for his plan to make money off one or more of the state’s assets – is a loser with the public.

Even though the administration first hired consultants last fall to begin work on their asset monetization plan, and Gov. Corzine told us in February that the plan would be released in a few.

weeks, the governor insisted again on Wednesday that the plan was not ready for review. Although he has kept the plan under wraps, it is generally believed that the governor wants to turn control of the toll roads over to a nonprofit, public agency, which would then issue between $15 billion and $30 billion in bonds to investors, and turn that money over to the state Treasury.  The investors, meanwhile, would be repaid through higher tolls on the state’s toll roads – one expert has said that the governor’s plan could result in a 150 percent toll hike for commuters.

As recently as Wednesday, Corzine insisted again that the only reason he hasn’t released his plan is that he is waiting to hear back from Washington on whether the bonds he wants issued could be tax exempt – a decision he said could have a dramatic impact on how much tolls would have to rise.

Republicans, however, believe the governor is actually trying to delay release of his plans until after the November election, so as to not impact on Democrat chances this fall. Earlier this spring, Senate President Dick Codey had been on New Jersey Network, urging that the plan not be released until lame duck, and Bradley Abelow, the governor’s chief of staff and former state treasurer, had said “we’d be crazy” to release the report in the weeks leading up to the election.

By filing this lawsuit, however, the GOP is hoping to force the administration’s hand – and give their candidates a ready-made issue that they believe the public can rally behind – the GOP’s promise that they will kill any asset monetization plan if they retake control.

That doesn’t mean that the administration hasn’t been lobbying for its plan, even while they refuse to release it. The governor has linked his asset monetization proposal to a variety of popular programs, all but saying that without asset monetization, programs like open space, road repair, school construction, and paying down the debt could be in jeopardy.

Not that the administration plans to use the funds that it would receive from the bond sale to just pay down the debt – instead, the governor wants to use the money that had been going to debt repayments, to now pay for programs that he wants, but, without asset monetization, can’t afford.

Meanwhile, while the plan remains under wraps, opposition to it continues to grow.  As many as 46 municipalities and four counties have come out in opposition, In addition, 11 municipalities have signed on to an alternative plan circulated by Ninth District Republicans – Sen. Leonard Connors and Assemblymen Christopher Connors and Brian Rumpf – which calls for the state workforce to be rolled back to 2000 levels, or a reduction of 13,000 employees, which they say could save the state $1 billion.

Peter Humphreys, a Wall Street lawyer and spokesman for Save Our Assets N.J.  – the grassroots group which did the study on how much tolls would have to rise if the asset monetization plan went through – told Jim Gearhart on NJ101.5 this week that his estimate of a 150 percent increase in tolls was based on the sale of $15 billion in bonds, to be repaid over 20 years.

If his figures are correct, he said that could mean a $4 toll turning into a $10 toll, 35 cents become 85-90 cents and a $2 toll turning into a $5 toll. 
Should the administration sell more than $15 billion in bonds – the number, incidentally, touted by Sen. Ray Lesniak, D-Union, a big proponent of the toll road plan – than the impact on the tolls would be greater, Humphreys said.

And that impact, Humphreys pointed out, winds up solely on the back of the commuter.

”You talk about a toll increase, what you’re really talking about is a road tax,” Humphreys said. “You’re talking about taxing people for driving up and down the roads, and it becomes a tax, just like property tax or income tax or sales tax. Except it falls on the people who are driving up and down the Garden State Parkway and the Turnpike. It seem to me unfair that if you use this money for broad-based government programs, guys who are driving up and down the Garden State Parkway are paying for new school construction up in Blairstown, where they don’t pay for using the roads.”

It seems unfair to us too.

A proposal with the potential to significantly impact the lives of hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans should not be buried under the weight of lame duck, but should be discussed in the light of an election.  The governor has said he wanted the public to have a voice in asset monetization. Let that voice include voting for candidates who will either support or oppose his plan in the Legislature.

The public is constantly being asked to put its faith in government, even when those government leaders fail to live up to their promises. It's past time that the government in this case – the Corzine administration – put its faith in the people to make the right decision. If the governor has faith in his plan, release it.

Otherwise, the public has every right to think that he has something to hide.

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September 28, 2007

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT . . .

What's left to discuss?
Editorial, Asbury Park Press, September 28, 2007

Gov. Corzine said this week his administration is in the final stages of developing a new school funding formula. But as with his "asset monetization" plans, he's holding back on the details until after the November elections. He also said recently he doesn't want the Legislature to debate ethics reforms until after the elections, saying he doesn't want that to be used as a "political football."

Apparently, all he wants Democratic legislators to do in October is brag about the rebate checks that likely will disappear next year, the watered-down ethics reforms and the meager steps that have been taken to reduce waste and inefficiency in government.

Holding out on his plans is an affront to taxpayers, who deserve all of the available information on key issues as they are being fleshed out.

Corzine said Wednesday that a policy debate on the proposed school funding formula — originally expected earlier this year — will occur sometime after the November elections. Corzine is well aware that at least 29 new faces will be found in the state Senate and Assembly next year. The outgoing incumbents need not fear retribution from voters. And Democratic lawmakers seeking re-election will be relieved of the burden of having to defend any unpopular proposals on three controversial issues — monetization, school funding and ethics reform.

Changes to the school funding formula deserve full public debate. That debate should take place before an election — not after, in a lame-duck session. Corzine should release any proposals or plans — in whatever form they are available — for examination by legislators, the candidates and the taxpayers. Now, not after the elections.

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September 28, 2007

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT . . .

No free pass on corruption issue
Editorial, Gloucester County Times, September 28, 2007

Are New Jerseyans now in the same place where Philadelphians were in 1903? From the results of the most recent Quinnipiac University Poll, they may be.

It was in 1903 that muckraking writer Lincoln Steffens wrote a McClure's Magazine article whose title, "Philadelphia: Corrupt but Contented," has become a lasting symbol to describe citizens who tolerate government corruption as long as the system works for them or, doesn't inconvenience them much.

This week's Quinnipiac Poll reported that 88 percent of New Jersey voters call corruption a "serious" problem, that by a 38-to-24 percent margin voters associate corruption with the now-in-power Democrat Party as opposed to the Republican Party, and that a clear majority 54 percent say the issue would not make then any more likely to vote for a Republican in the upcoming legislative elections.

So, corruption is "serious," but not nearly serious enough to make a change?

Maybe people do deserve credit for rejecting "generic" Republican arguments against "Democratic" corruption. Not all Democrats are corrupt, even though all four members of the Legislature who were charged (and a fifth who remains under suspicion) in corruption cases are from the majority party. As state Sen. Stephen Sweeney, D-3, says, voters are not "lumping us together."

But shouldn't they be? A tiny bit? This all goes back to the "enabler" issue: If the Democrats' leadership isn't able or willing to control or remove allegedly crooked pols, isn't the whole party even a little guilty? Two state senators remain in office, even after they've been indicted...

But it shouldn't mean that the other party gets a free pass because stealing taxpayers' money isn't Number 1 on the list that rocks the voters' world...

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September 28, 2007

BECK, KEAN FILE SUIT AGAINST CORZINE ADMINISTRATION TO RELEASE TOLL ROAD STUDIES

DeCROCE SAYS COURT ACTION IS NECESSARY TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC’S RIGHT TO VIEW TAXPAYER-FUNDED RESEARCH

With the support and encouragement of Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce, Assemblywoman Jennifer Beck and Assemblyman Sean Kean have filed a lawsuit in Mercer County Superior Court against the Corzine administration to force the release of an $800,000 taxpayer-funded report that contains crucial information about what will happen when the Corzine administration and Democrat-controlled Legislature hike tolls as part of a plan to sell, lease, or monetize state highways.

The Department of the Treasury received and paid for the “Traffic and Revenue Report,” prepared by Steer Davies and Gleave, Ltd., an international private consulting company, more than four months ago. The report contains information which explains the destructive consequences of hiking tolls which is a key provision in the Corzine administration’s and Democrat-controlled Legislature’s plan to give away future toll revenue for a quick infusion of cash. 

“This administration has been hiding the report for a reason,” said Beck, R-Monmouth and Mercer. “They want to hide it because they know that when the public understands the impact of their toll road gimmick, the public will never stand for it.”

Beck and Kean, in their capacity as members of the Assembly Transportation and Public Works Committee, filed an Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request in August, and sent two letters (August 8 and August 21) to the governor demanding that the report be made available to the public. The Corzine administration has denied all requests, leaving legal action as the only available option for release of the document.

“The Corzine administration has told the public time and time again, ‘You can’t handle the truth,’” said Kean, R-Monmouth. “Well the public paid $800,000 for the truth and the public has the right to hear it.”

The extraordinary step of suing the Corzine administration to force the release of the documents comes on the heels of a finding by one of the nation’s leading experts on open government that the state’s OPRA is “largely illusory” as a tool to ensure transparency in government operations. Mitchell Pearlman, who was executive director of the Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission for more than three decades, said the law has not lived up to its expectations because “(if) there is something corrupt, something embarrassing to the administration, the power is there to exempt it."

Pearlman, whose comments were reported by The Star-Ledger, was asked to review New Jersey's law by the state Foundation for Open Government, a coalition of individuals and organizations including the American Civil Liberties Union, Common Cause and League of Women Voters.

“By ignoring the spirit if not the letter of the law, the Corzine Administration has left us no alternative,” said DeCroce, R-Morris and Passaic. “No amount of doubletalk can alter the fact that the taxpayers have bought and paid for this study, and they deserve to see it now.”

Assembly Republicans oppose the administration’s highly unpopular and controversial plan because it will result in skyrocketing toll increases, the loss of future revenue, and add to the state’s already staggering $30 billion debt burden.

The suit was filed by Assembly Republican Office staff attorneys on Thursday in an effort to expedite the matter and eliminate costs to taxpayers.

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September 27, 2007

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT . . .

Corruption in New Jersey: The party’s over
Editorial, The Philadelphia Inquirer, September 26, 2007

The parade of perps charged with public corruption in New Jersey keeps on marching along. The indictments earlier this month of 11 public officials, including two Democratic state assemblymen and members of the Pleasantville board of education, illustrates that Gov. Corzine needs to take firm action against corruption in government contracting.

The story line from this FBI sting should no longer surprise anyone. It involved the pay-to-play culture that has dominated New Jersey politics for far too long. An undercover agent and cooperating witnesses took $1,500 to $17,500 in cash in return for promises of their votes on school boards and city councils to influence local government contracts.

One of those indicted, Assemblyman Mims Hackett Jr. (D., Essex), was chairman of the state committee responsible for government oversight and ethics legislation. No, really. He has since resigned.

This far-reaching investigation follows the indictment earlier this year of two powerful veteran Democrats in Trenton: state Sens. Wayne Bryant of Camden County and Sharpe James of Newark. Those two legislators haven't had the good sense to resign.

These allegations are exactly the same kind of behavior that Democratic leaders in Trenton have been promising to clean up for years. But legislation to address these problems usually comes with loopholes large enough to keep the pay-to-play campaign cash flowing. The bills never close the door completely on this ready-made temptation for corruption.

County and local officials have the power to choose professional service contractors such as engineers and attorneys, and too many officials still consider this process a lucrative source of campaign cash or, worse, outright bribes.

That's where Corzine can step in and take meaningful action. He can issue an executive order to close loopholes in New Jersey's statewide pay-to-play ban. The governor should end contributions by consultants involved in redevelopment, as well as ban state contractor donations to political action committees of local parties and legislative leaders.

Further, he should extend the limits on campaign donations to partners and other officials of companies with government contracts.

The limits on campaign donations from state contractors should be extended to counties, municipalities and school boards. The grassroots campaign banning local pay-to-play has taken hold in more than 80 New Jersey communities, including Collingswood and Cherry Hill.

It's reform the people want and demand. It's time for the governor to drag the reluctant legislature along with him on some of these measures.

Corzine has all the more incentive this election year because, in light of this string of indictments, voters are bound to perceive this perpetual scandal as a one-party problem.

Harry Pozycki, chairman of the nonprofit Citizens Campaign, correctly characterizes this issue as a challenge to Corzine's leadership. The governor promised in his campaign to get tough with public corruption. Others in his party are now putting his promise to the test.

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September 27, 2007

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT . . .

Conditioning the public
Editorial, Asbury Park Press, September 27, 2007

The grade of "D" civil engineers gave to the state's roads, bridges and airports in a report Monday is sure to be exploited by the Corzine administration to help sell his monetization plan and the need for a major hike in the state gasoline tax. Don't buy it.

The assessment by the New Jersey section of the American Society of Civil Engineers is eye-opening: an overall grade of C-minus for all nine types of infrastructure. The highest, C-plus, was awarded to energy and the lowest, the Ds, went to bridges, highways, airports and sewers. About 82 percent of the state's roads are either "mediocre" or "deficient" and it will take $60 million more per year to maintain our drinking water systems, the report said.

But the findings have to be put into perspective: The report card was presented at a conference hosted by New Jersey Alliance for Action, a coalition of builders and labor unions advocating a higher state gasoline tax — a whopping 30 cents per gallon more — to help pay for the needed projects. Of course, this work will be done by builders, labor union members and engineers, so the self-interest is obvious.

Former state Treasurer Bradley Abelow, now Gov. Corzine's chief of staff, said at the conference a "multiplicity of approaches" would be needed to pay for the projects. One of them, of course, is the governor's still-secret monetization plan to turn state assets, such as its toll roads, into cash to pay for things like bridges and highways. The bonds for the transformed assets would be repaid by the toll-paying public.

The report will play into the strategy to convince the public that higher taxes and tolls are the only options when it comes to fixing the infrastructure and getting the state's financial house in order. Finding ways to pay for it by reducing the cost of government on all levels is absent from the Corzine agenda. New Jersey doesn't need to spend more. It needs to spend more wisely and more efficiently.

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September 26, 2007

MERKT: CORZINE, ABELOW OUT OF TOUCH WITH AVERAGE TAXPAYER; WARNS OF STEEP TOLL ROAD, TAX HIKES

Calling Governor Jon Corzine and his Chief of Staff Bradley Abelow “utterly out of touch with the average taxpayer,” Assemblyman Richard Merkt today warned New Jersey residents to brace themselves for steep toll road and tax hikes just around the corner as the Corzine administration moves forward with its secret plan to sell the future revenues of the state’s toll roads.

According to a Millennium Radio report on Tuesday, the head of New Jersey Alliance for Action said the state will need a minimum 30 cent per gallon gas tax increase to help fund the nearly $2 billion the state needs to fix its transportation infrastructure system. In response, Abelow hinted that a gas tax increase is just one of several solutions needed to bail the Garden State out of its financial quagmire.

“There is not going to be a single solution that I can imagine is going to address all of our needs,” said Abelow in the report. “We are going to have to have a multiplicity of approaches to how we invest in our future...we are going to come forward with a proposal around this thing that has been called monetization.”

Merkt bristled at the administration’s apparent eagerness to raise taxes and tolls to feed what he termed its “spending addiction.”

“Governor Corzine and Mr. Abelow need to do something other than raid the taxpayer’s wallet to pay for their ‘needs,’” said Merkt. “The pickpocket attitude of this Administration and Democrat Legislature is unbelievable. They just don’t get it that it’s not just high taxes, but excessive taxes, that are leading residents to flee New Jersey in droves.”

Merkt suggested that since the governor and his party leaders are unwilling to reduce spending, maybe Corzine, Abelow and other ultra-millionaires in government should volunteer to contribute a few hundred million dollars of their own to pay for what they want to spend.

The 25th Legislative district lawmaker noted that this is the third time during his tenure that a gas tax increase has been proposed, and it will be the third time that he opposes it. He added that the current gas tax is the last reasonable tax left in New Jersey, because the ruling Democrats have hiked every other major tax in the state over the past six years.

“It’s the Hydra of our time,” said Merkt. “We keep hacking its head off, but it keeps coming back. We fought it and defeated it before, and we’ll fight it and beat it again.”

To date, Corzine has repeatedly stonewalled public demands to disclose the details of his “monetization” scheme, in which he wants to sell future state toll road revenues for a one-shot, up-front cash payment.  The governor claims the deal is needed to pay down state debt, fund school construction, open space preservation and transportation projects, among other things.

Before Corzine doles out any new money, he needs to explain what happened to the billions of dollars appropriated for the Transportation Trust Fund (TTF), argued Merkt.

“Democrats have routinely raided the Unemployment Insurance Fund and the Disability Fund, taking that money for purposes other than for which they were dedicated.  The TTF has gone broke at least twice, and it is headed that way again within three years,” added Merkt.

“The Democrats have a long track record of diverting trust funds. Now Corzine wants to sign away New Jersey’s future revenues for quick cash to what end?” asked Merkt.  “It’s obvious the Democrats can’t be trusted on fiscal matters. Taxpayers have every reason to be suspicious of this scheme. It’s time for an independent audit of all these trust funds, to see where the money really went.”

Merkt said that, as New Jersey residents head to the polls this November, they should ask themselves if they really want a quadrupling of the gas tax, as well as toll hikes and other taxes increases.  He cautioned voters, “If you return the Democrat Majority, that’s exactly what you are going to get."

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September 25, 2007

MORE MUNICIPALITIES VOTE TO OPPOSE MONETIZATION AS NEW POLL CONFIRMS DISCONTENT

On the heels of a new Quinnipiac poll that found 58 percent of the voters oppose Governor Jon Corzine’s still secret “asset monetization” bonding scheme, Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce disclosed that the number of municipalities that have adopted resolutions officially objecting to the proposal has risen to 46, at a minimum.

“Democrats had better heed warnings from the people,” said DeCroce, R-Morris and Passaic. “This plan to sell state toll road assets is reckless and irresponsible – the people know it.”

The Quinnipiac poll ascertained that popular opposition to monetization stretches from one side of the political spectrum to the other.

“The list of municipalities, counties and organizations registering their opposition to asset monetization continues to grow,” DeCroce said. “I suspect the list would be much, much longer at this point if the Democrats didn’t decide to squelch the details of the plan until after the November election. I am convinced that the more people know, the more they will realize just what a loser this scheme is.”

Based on official notifications received by DeCroce in response to a letter he wrote to all mayors and/or Save Our Assets NJ, the following municipalities have adopted resolutions

The following counties have approved resolutions opposing asset monetization:

Bergen County Board of Freeholders
Ocean County Board of Freeholders
Warren County Board of Freeholders
Monmouth County Board of Freeholders

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September 25, 2007

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT . . .

A majority say Corzine-Riccio financial ties should be public record
PoliticsNJ.com, September 25, 2007

New Jersey voters polled by Quinnipiac University said Gov. Jon Corzine’s financial ties to Carla Katz’s brother-in-law, Rocco Riccio, should be a matter of public record and necessitate an independent investigation.

The results released today show that 55 percent of those in both parties polled believe the matter should be made public and should be independently examined, compared to 39 percent who say they believe it is a private matter.

Sixty-two percent of Republicans said they believe it should be a matter of public record, compared to 45 percent of Democrats polled. Sixty-one percent of Independents said they believe it’s a public matter.

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September 25, 2007

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT . . .

Make the e-mails public
Editorial, Daily Record of Morris County, September 25, 2007

It's time to end the silliness about the governor's e-mail exchanges with union leader Carla Katz. Gov. Jon Corzine should make the e-mails public. This story has bounced along for weeks. State Republicans want to see e-mails between Corzine and Katz, the governor's former girlfriend and the president of one of the largest public unions in the state. Elected officials usually are on the defensive when they're trying to keep things private and this is no exception. By fighting the GOP's request, the governor gives the impression that the e-mails contain embarrassing material. That may not be true, but that's the impression given.

Tom Wilson, the state Republican chairman, obviously is playing politics when he demands that the e-mails be released. Politics or not, Wilson is right.

Call the governor's office at (609) 292-6000 and say you want Corzine to make the relevant e-mails public.

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September 25, 2007

DOHERTY DISCOVERS ABC OVERCHARGE ON WINEMAKING PERMITS AND CALLS FOR REFUND

Assemblyman Michael Doherty today called on the Division of Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) to issue refunds to winemaking licensees who have been overcharged for winemaking permits issued by the state agency since 2003.

In 2003, the Legislature authorized ABC to increase its home winemaking permit fee from $10 to $15, however, as a result of a constituent inquiry about A-4025 that concerns an “Instructional Winemaking License,” Doherty noticed that ABC had been charging $20 annually for a “Home Winemaking Permit” the past four years.

When Doherty brought the matter to the attention of state Attorney General Anne Milgram and ABC Director Jerry Fischer, Fischer acknowledged the overcharge saying it was an inadvertent error and advised Doherty that “the application has been appropriately modified and the correct fee of $15 is now being collected for the winemaking permit.” Fischer also offered a refund to Doherty’s constituent, but Doherty said refunds are owed to everyone who was overcharged for the permit to make wine at home, and wrote Milgram advising her of his position on September 11.

Doherty said, “This can’t be swept under the rug by offering a refund to one person. Every person who purchased an annual home winemaking license since 2003 is entitled to a $5 refund by ABC and I expect them to make good on that. People in this state pay far too many taxes as it is. I was shocked to discover that ABC has been charging 25 percent more in permit fees than it was authorized to.” Doherty has not received a response from Milgram on the refund.

Doherty was lead to the fee discrepancy due to a disturbing provision in bill A-4025 sponsored by Assemblywoman Joan Quigley, D-Bergen and Hudson, and Assembly Majority Speaker Joseph Roberts, D-Camden and Gloucester. The bill creates a new “Instructional Winemaking Facility License” to be issued to facilities that teach winemaking, and gives the ABC director the authority to set the license fee amount.

“Why would we want to delegate to an unelected and unregulated individual, the authority to charge a license fee when clearly that is the Legislature’s task?” asked Doherty. “I feel very uncomfortable delegating that authority to the unelected appointee who serves as director, especially when there is now a history of overcharging."

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September 24, 2007

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT . . .

Memo to Dems: Let's get serious
Editorial, Asbury Park Press, September 24, 2007

The state Republican platform for the November elections unveiled last week gives voters a glimmer of hope that the Legislature might one day actually serve the people in-stead of its members. Giving taxpayers a greater voice and making it more difficult for politicians to pass tax increases — two key components of the nine-point plan — would be a good start.

Senate President Richard J. Codey, D-Essex, dismissed the Republican plan, saying, "Now all of a sudden they want to be reformers? That's like saying Britney Spears is tired of partying and wants to be a cloistered nun."

Good quip, senator. But the substance of the proposal deserves more than a wisecrack.

Among other things, the GOP wants to let voters decide whether the state should allow initiative and referendum, whether state spending growth should be capped at the rate of inflation, whether future state debt should be subject to voter approval and whether any bills that would raise existing taxes or create new ones should require a two-thirds vote of the Legislature.

The platform also calls for enactment of comprehensive pay-to-play reform, at least $1 billion in state budget cuts — with a referendum on whether the savings should be used to permanently lower property taxes — and automatic suspension without pay of any indicted public official.

GOP State Committee Chairman Tom Wilson said the party is "not just promising to govern differently, we're promising a different government altogether. One that gives the citizens, not the politicians, the final say." Hear, hear.

Giving citizens a stronger voice in government, with tools such as initiative and referendum, and the ability to vote on more financial decisions might actually force our talk-a-lot, do-little legislators into action.

The Democratic state committee chairman, Assemblyman Joseph Cryan, D-Union, said if Republicans were in power, the taxpayers "now receiving property tax relief would be left empty-handed." But his own party officials admit they don't know if the tax "relief" program will continue beyond this election year, giving voters more reason not to let those newly arrived rebate checks sway their decisions at the polls.

"(Republicans) allowed taxes to skyrocket when they governed, and they did nothing but try to deep-six the tax reforms now in place," Cryan said. Is he serious? What reforms? The only reforms that provided any meaningful hope for permanent tax relief were taken off the table by Gov. Corzine and the Democratic leadership.

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September 20, 2007

VITALE TELLS MILLENNIUM RADIO LISTENERS HIGHER TAXES ARE COMING

DeCROCE: CODEY’S SILENCE CONFIRMS SENATE DEMOCRATS WILL NOT SHUT THE DOOR ON HIGHER TAXES AFTER THE ELECTION

Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce said he was stunned by the lightening speed with which Democrats responded to a Republican pledge to oppose further tax increases by admitting Democrats will look at raising taxes after the November legislative elections.

Deputy Senate Majority Leader Joseph Vitale, D-Middlesex, who is reportedly jockeying to become Majority Leader in the Senate next year – unless Republicans take control, went on the “Jersey Guys” show on NJ 101.5 FM yesterday afternoon to respond, on behalf of his party, to an announcement by Republican leaders hours earlier that they support initiative and referendum, tough ethics reforms, fiscal restraints, a plan to reduce property taxes permanently – but no new taxes.

“Essentially, Vitale was speaking on behalf of Senate Democrats, if not the party itself,” said DeCroce, R-Morris and Passaic. “I must say that I found his candor refreshing because, based on what I heard, Vitale admitted Democrats don’t want to reduce state spending, they feel they need to spend even more and that will require higher taxes.

“Why should this come as a surprise? After-all, the Democrats, with the enthusiastic support of their leaders (Senate President Richard J. Codey and Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts) doubled state spending in the six years their party has been in control, increased taxes 94 times and doubled state debt to fund their spending spree.

“Why should anyone believe they would do anything differently next year, if they have the chance?”

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September 18, 2007

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT . . .

No real relief in sight
Editorial, Asbury Park Press, September 18, 2007

The property tax rebates are in the mail — timed to coincide with the start of the fall election campaigns. As nice as it is to receive a check from the state — the average is $1,051 — it's hardly cause for celebration.

It's hard to believe that with all the electronic technology the state has at its disposal, it has to spend $10 million to print and then mail out 765,000 checks to those who don't elect direct deposit. Yes, $10 million. Gov. Corzine said last week that he anticipates the rebates will be in the form of credits on property taxes next year.

The governor wants to make sure any system put in effect preserves property owners' security and privacy. Fine. But some of the same high-tech wizardry that enables homeowners to file their rebate request online and have the total directly deposited into their bank accounts has to be adaptable to facilitate a credit on property taxes. Electronic communication between municipal tax offices and mortgage companies and banks can't be that difficult to achieve.

It also strains credibility for Democrats such as Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts Jr., D-Camden, to put a positive spin on the higher rebates. "We are putting more relief directly into the hands of property tax payers than at any time in state history," Roberts said Friday.

He neglected to mention that much of the "relief" is being funded by taxpayers themselves through revenue derived from the increase in the sales tax from 6 percent to 7 percent. The Democratic majority in the Legislature has failed to lower property taxes, which at $6,330 are double the national average, and to attack the structural problems that have led to the steadily growing tax burden. Cost-cutting suggestions from the legislative special session on property taxes last year went nowhere.

A rebate is not tax relief. It's money homeowners shouldn't have to shell out in the first place. Real relief will be achieved only when tax bills are lowered by reducing the cost of government. That will be cause for celebration.

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September 17, 2007

O’TOOLE CALLS FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL, U.S. ATTORNEY TO PROBE PASSAIC WATER COMMISSION, CITY COUNCIL FOLLOWING RIVERA CLAIMS OF INFLUENCE

Assemblyman Kevin J. O’Toole today called on state Attorney General Anne Milgram, in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s office, to probe possible criminal activity within the Passaic Valley Water Commission (PVWC) and the Passaic City Council following alleged boasts by Passaic Mayor Samuel Rivera of his influence over both entities.

Rivera was arrested with 10 other public officials earlier this month and charged with bribery following an 18-month federal sting operation.

In a sworn affidavit by an FBI agent involved in the investigation, Rivera boasted of being able to easily obtain the necessary votes by members of the PVCW and City Council in order to secure business in exchange for cash for what turned out to be an insurance brokerage firm set up by federal law enforcement officials.

“These are extremely disturbing and serious claims of influence by Mr. Rivera over two government bodies that cannot and must not be overlooked,” said O’Toole, R-Bergen, Essex, Passaic. “Therefore, I am calling on State Attorney General Milgram to work closely with the U.S. Attorney’s office to fully examine these allegations. No stone should be left unturned if we are to stem this tide of corruption that seems to permeate every level of government in our state.”

According to the criminal complaint filed on September 5, 2007 in U.S. District Court, the FBI agent testified that,  “...[D]efendant Rivera touted his influence over a majority of the seven-member Passaic City Council, stating ‘I can get four votes easy, easy, easy.’ When CW-2 (an unidentified cooperating witness) confirmed that only four of seven votes of the Council was needed, defendant Rivera replied, “and I got ‘em easy.’”

In addition, Rivera stated that he “would be able to control five of the seven commissioners of the Passaic Valley Water Commission.” The PVWC was managed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners, who were appointed by, among others, Rivera.

A cope of the letter is below:

Dear Attorney General Milgram:

In light of alleged boasts by Passaic Mayor Samuel Rivera of exerting influence over members of the Passaic City Council and the Passaic Valley Water Commission (PVCW) during an FBI sting operation which resulted in the Mayor’s arrest on bribery charges, I am requesting that you begin an investigation into possible criminal activity within both entities.

In a sworn affidavit by FBI Special Agent James J. Breen, Mr. Rivera boasted of being able to easily obtain the necessary votes by members of the City Council and PVCW in order to secure business in exchange for cash for what turned out to be an insurance brokerage firm set up by federal law enforcement officials.

According to the criminal complaint filed on September 5, 2007 in U.S. District Court, Special Agent Breen testified that,  “...[D]efendant Rivera touted his influence over a majority of the seven-member Passaic City Council, stating ‘I can get four votes easy, easy, easy.’ When CW-2 (an unidentified cooperating witness) confirmed that only four of seven votes of the Council was needed, defendant Rivera replied, “and I got ‘em easy.” In addition, Rivera stated that he “would be able to control five of the seven commissioners of the Passaic Valley Water Commission.” The PVWC is managed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners, who were appointed by, among others, Rivera.

These are extremely disturbing and serious claims of influence by Mr. Rivera over two government bodies that cannot and must not be overlooked. Therefore, I am asking that you work closely with the U.S. Attorney’s office to fully examine these allegations. No stone should be left unturned if we are to stem this tide of corruption that seems to permeate every level of government in our state.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
                                                                                   
Sincerely,

Kevin J. O'Toole,
Assemblyman 40th Legislative District

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September 17, 2007

DeCROCE SEEKS INVESTIGATION INTO MISMANAGEMENT AND POTENTIAL CRIMINAL ABUSE OF PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FUNDS BY DCA

Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce today sent a letter to Attorney General Anne Milgram and Inspector General Mary Jane Cooper requesting they investigate what appears to be gross mismanagement and potential criminal abuse of the Distressed Cities Program, a property tax program administered by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA).

The Distressed Cities Program allows the DCA to provide state aid to towns that are in financial distress. In the letter, DeCroce, R-Morris and Passaic, says information from the DCA indicates the program is being run with complete and total disregard for the funding award process established by the Special Municipal Aid Act, the law that governs aid awards.

DeCroce says that instead of following the statutory award process, “unknown officials are manipulating the program for political reasons and misappropriating money in the process” by awarding towns that are politically connected and punishing towns that are not. He cites as an example Ewing Township, a clearly financially troubled town which has received funding for the past two years, but was denied its request this year due to the fact that “a new mayor was elected who was not of the preferred political party.”

DeCroce also questions who requested the $153 million appropriation in this year’s budget for the program. He said funding provided by the program has risen by more than $100 million in just five years.

“What’s particularly disturbing is that the program appears to be politically manipulated and benefits only a handful of hand-picked municipalities,” DeCroce said.

Should an investigation prove there has been gross mismanagement or potential criminal abuse of the program, DeCroce calls for Milgram and Cooper to hold those responsible accountable and to impound the funds until the program is administered as required by law.

A copy of the letter is below:

Dear Attorney General Milgram:

I am writing to you to respectfully request that you conduct investigations into a $153 million property tax relief initiative, the Distressed Cities Program, because there is reason to suspect that it is being unlawfully and grossly mismanaged by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA).  The Distressed Cities Program allows DCA to financially assist towns experiencing financial distress.  Recent information provided to us by DCA indicates that the program is being run with complete and total disregard for the funding award process established by law (Special Municipal Aid Act, N.J.S.A. 52:27D-118.24 et seq.)  Rather than following the statutory award process, it appears that unknown officials are manipulating the program for political reasons and misappropriating money in the process, conduct that appears to rise to the crime of Official Misconduct as set forth in N.J.S.A. 2C:30-2. 

Despite its creation as a program with the laudable goal of temporarily assisting financially troubled towns, I have long suspected that the Distressed Cities Program has been abused to reward towns that are politically connected and to punish towns that are not.  My suspicions grew stronger when I read several recent news reports of Ewing Township being told by DCA they would be ineligible to receive funding that they have received in the past two years because they had not applied for funding prior to June 30, 2007, notwithstanding that the town is clearly financially troubled after years of mismanagement and despite the fact that the program has no such deadline for applying for funds.  News accounts have reported suspicions that the real reason for DCA’s decision may have more to do with the fact that a new mayor was elected who was not of the preferred political party.

In response to the news articles, I asked DCA to provide evidence that they are following the process of awarding funds that is set forth in law.  The answers (attached in their entirety)  show that they are not.  It leaves one to wonder exactly who determined $153 million was needed in this year’s budget for the Distressed Cities Program and how those funds are being awarded.  It certainly appears that professional rank and file staff in DCA are unlawfully and inappropriately being instructed by someone to back into numbers for politically connected municipalities.   

The $153 million appropriated for this property tax relief program is significant.  If in the course of your investigation, you find that someone is pressuring staff in DCA to make $153 million in awards based on political considerations and not the statutory parameters of the program, as I believe is obvious, then I implore you to take steps to impound the funds until the program is administered according to the way the law requires. 

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Alex DeCroce
Republican Leader

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September 14, 2007

DeCROCE STATEMENT ON REBATE CHECKS

Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce reaction to the Corzine administration’s announcement that rebate checks will be in the mail to taxpayers this weekend:

“Everyone who receives a check should consider themselves lucky that they are getting anything at all because the Democrats utterly failed in their efforts to deliver real property tax reform, even though they have had six years to work on the problem. When Republicans offered a comprehensive program to permanently lower property taxes, it was voted down by the Democrats, just like they voted to kill our attempts to enact strong ethics reforms and end wasteful state spending. Democrats want the taxpayers to feel glad that they might be getting a check when they should be furious. Remember, many taxpayers will not be getting a check. Homeowners who do find rebate check in their mailbox should tax a few seconds to weigh it against something else they will be arriving shortly – their quarterly property tax bill. It will be painfully obvious that in far too many instances the rebate won’t even cover the rise in their property tax bill. This isn’t a day to celebrate. It’s a day to reflect on the abject failure of the Democrats to deliver real property tax reform or any system of permanent, predictable tax relief. The Democrats continue to make New Jersey an unaffordable place to live.”

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September 14, 2007

DOHERTY SAYS CORZINE'S REFUSAL TO TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION ON ETHICS REFORM SHOWS CONTINUED INABILITY TO LEAD

Assemblyman Michael Doherty today said that Governor Jon Corzine’s refusal to convene the Legislature to take immediate action on strict ethics reform legislation is yet another example of his failure to provide the leadership that New Jersey so desperately  needs.

“These are desperate times for our state,” said Doherty. “The tax burden remains unbearable, property taxes continue to rise despite the Democrat’s claim of ‘reform,’ debt is at an all-time high and continues to grow, and it seems corruption is rampant throughout every level of our government.

“We have two indicted state senators, two assemblymen arrested and charged with bribery in an FBI sting operation and a day after a Democrat state senator dropped his election bid due to another federal investigation, Governor Corzine refuses to make ethics reform a priority. Why? Because protecting the interests of his party and fellow Democrats is more important to him than doing what is in the best interests of our residents,” said Doherty, R-Warren and Hunterdon.

The Associated Press reported today that Corzine will not take any action on anti-corruption legislation because he doesn’t want the Legislature to debate ethics reform before the November election with all 120 seats to be decided. He said, “I think that is better done not a month and a half or two months in front of an election where people are really going to make it a political football.”

Doherty dismissed the Governor’s claim as ludicrous, saying there is no better time to debate such a serious issue because voters have every right to know exactly how tough legislators will be on enacting strict ethics reform legislation before they go to the polls.

“The Democrats talk a good game, but look at their record. The ethics reform legislation the Governor recently signed was so mangled and riddled with loopholes it was barely recognizable from what was first proposed,” noted the 23rd  legislative district lawmaker. “Even the Governor said we need to re-visit it. Yet he’s only willing to do so when it’s convenient for his party members. It’s an utter lack of leadership on his part and disrespectful to the voters.”

Doherty said that once the election is behind us, it will be “business as usual” in Trenton meaning it will be virtually impossible to pass ethics reform bills with any real bite. Doherty noted that Assembly Republicans have pushed a comprehensive package of ethics reform bills several times during the past two years only to be blocked by ruling Democrats.

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September 13, 2007

WOLFE SAYS CORZINE’S AMBITIOUS AGENDA FOR LAME-DUCK SESSION DOESN’T BODE WELL FOR TAXPAYERS

Assemblyman David Wolfe, a leading proponent of a new school funding formula, today questioned why Governor Jon Corzine is suddenly calling for revamping the state’s school funding formula during the upcoming lame-duck session.

“We had an ideal window of opportunity to begin work on a new formula last year following the Special Session on Property Tax Reform, but if you recall, Corzine said it was too complicated an issue to tackle at that moment,” said Wolfe. “Now it seems the Department of Education has been working on a plan and the Governor seems to think ramming it through a lame-duck session along with his secret ‘asset monetization’ proposal is the way to go.”

The Star Ledger reported on Wednesday that Corzine’s “to-do” list for the upcoming legislative session also includes revisiting ethics reform legislation, an anti-crime plan and a state energy plan. Legislators will not return to Trenton until after the November 6 election. They will then convene for a two-month lame-duck session before a new Legislature is seated in January.

“If his plans to tackle these issues during a lame-duck session were beneficial for taxpayers, especially those living in suburban and rural school districts, then his fellow Democrats would be chomping at the bit to roll these plans out now. And they aren’t,” said Wolfe, R-Ocean and Monmouth.

According to the article, both Senate President Richard Codey, D-Essex, and Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts, D-Camden, gave Corzine a less than rousing endorsement for his aggressive timetable for turning around legislation on a new school funding formula and other issues.

“We need to ensure sufficient debate and local input,” was Robert’s reply while Codey said, “There’s a lot on that plate. It’s a pretty heavy lift.”

“Last year, when the Assembly caucus called for movement on a new school funding formula, Governor Corzine chose to drag his feet. Instead of action, he offered excuses,” said Wolfe, a member of the Assembly Education Committee. “Now he’s telling us that before the end of the year, New Jersey will have an energy master plan, an anti-crime plan and a new school funding formula. You really have to wonder just what are in those plans that he’s in such a hurry to push through. Whatever it is, I don’t think it bodes well for taxpayers.”  

The 10th legislative district lawmaker said a lame-duck session is not the appropriate time to be making any momentous policy decisions.

“While I agree all these matters must be addressed, they are all complex issues that will require much debate and public input in order for us to do the job correctly. If he thinks these plans can be debated and implemented in a few months, we will end up with legislation much like the watered-down ethics reform bills the Governor recently signed. The Democrat’s ‘something is better than nothing’ mantra doesn’t work for me and it won’t work for our residents.”

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September 13, 2007

DOHERTY BILL ENSURING CREDIT TRANSFERS FROM TWO-YEAR COLLEGES TO FOUR-YEAR BECOMES LAW

Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Michael Doherty that provides for the seamless transfer of academic credits from two-year county colleges to State-funded four-year institutions was signed into law today by Governor Jon Corzine.

“This is a good day for both taxpayers and students,” said Doherty R-Warren and Hunterdon, noting that taxpayer money used to subsidize county colleges will ensure that county college credits will easily transfer to four-year State institutions.

Doherty was first to introduce the idea, which led to a bi-partisan effort that yielded the legislation, A-3968, that was signed by the Governor today.

The program provides for the guaranteed transfer of certain core course credits, such as those that meet the general education requirements for graduation and which provide the foundation for advanced specialization in an academic major or area of concentration.

The current lack of a universal transfer credit system can force both the State and the transfer student to pay for the same course twice, in essence double-funding a course.  

“Common sense dictates that the students and the taxpayers that help fund their education shouldn’t have to pay twice for the same course,” Doherty said. “At a time when the state budget is stretched thin and seniors can’t afford to stay in their homes because of the high property tax burden, we have passed legislation that will eliminate this type of waste. I am very proud of this bill that passed unanimously in both houses of the Legislature”

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September 12, 2007

MUNOZ LEGISLATION FOR ASPERGER’S SYNDROME PROGRAM SIGNED INTO LAW BY GOVERNOR CORZINE

GOVERNOR ALSO SIGNS FOUR AUTISM BILLS CO-SPONSORED BY MUNOZ

Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Eric Munoz, MD, that establishes the Asperger's Syndrome Pilot Initiative in the Department of Human Services was signed into law Wednesday by Governor Jon Corzine. 

“It is crucial that we make a wide range of services available to persons diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome,” said Munoz, R-Essex, Morris, Somerset and Union. “This legislation will provide housing, counseling, educational and employment opportunities specialized to fit the needs of persons with Asperger’s.”

The legislation, A-2291, will seek to provide vocational, educational and social training services to persons with Asperger’s Syndrome, through community-based service sites, which offer these individuals appropriate support, guidance and education.

The bill aims to provide enhanced services for persons with Asperger’s Syndrome, including social skills training, supported employment, housing support, and psychiatric services for the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and other neurological disorders.

The Governor also signed into law four other pieces of legislation on which Munoz served as co-sponsor.  Senator Tom Kean co-sponsored S-698 the Senate version of A-4054.

• A-4054 – Making changes concerning Governor’s Council for Medical Research and Treatment of Autism, including expanding the council and requiring progress reports to the Legislature and Governor.
• A-4055 – Providing for instruction in autism and other developmental disabilities awareness and methods of teaching students with autism and other developmental disabilities for candidates for teaching certificates and current teachers and paraprofessionals.
• A-4056 – Establishing the Early Intervention Program in the Department of Health and Senior Services to conduct activities addressing the specific needs of children with autism spectrum disorders and their families.
• A-4057 – Establishing the New Jersey Adults with Autism Task Force.

As a physician, Munoz noted he is also very concerned about the health and well being of both youngsters and adults suffering from developmental disabilities.

“Awareness and education are two of our greatest tools in healthcare today and I’m confident these new laws will go a long way in expanding knowledge about these conditions and providing help to these individuals and their families,” said Munoz.

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September 12, 2007

MERKT ASKS ROBERTS TO APPOINT CONFLICT-FREE COMMITTEE CHAIR TO REPLACE HACKETT

NEW CHAIR SHOULD NOT HOLD MULTIPLE OFFICES

Assemblyman Richard A. Merkt today sent a letter to Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts, Jr., D-Camden, urging him to appoint a new chair of the Assembly State Government Committee “who is free of the conflicts inherent in dual office-holding.”

Merkt noted that, with the recent resignation of committee chairman Mims Hackett, D-Essex, who was arrested last week on bribery charges in an FBI sting, Roberts now has the opportunity to help restore public trust in government. Specifically, Merkt urged the Speaker to appoint a chair who will “work on passing legislation to end to dual office holding and enact other needed ethics reforms.”      

Merkt, R-Morris, said in the letter that he means no disrespect to Assemblyman Gary Schaer, D-Passaic, Bergen and Essex, a dual office holder who is the current vice-chairman of the committee. Schaer also serves as a Passaic City Council member.

“...[A]llowing the vice-chairman to assume the chairmanship in an acting capacity or to appoint some other holder of multiple government positions as the new chair of this committee is simply unacceptable in light of recent events and the task before us,” wrote Merkt, who noted that government reform requires that key positions in the Legislature be filled by lawmakers firmly committed to ethics reform, lest the effort fail.

“This is a watershed appointment in ethics reform for New Jersey,” said Merkt. “The Speaker’s choice will tell voters just how serious he is – or is not – about ending the parade of scandals that have embarrassed the Legislature, as well our entire state, in recent years.”

A copy of the letter is below:

Dear Speaker Roberts:
 
As a result of the resignation of Assemblyman Mims Hackett, we are all well aware that you now have the opportunity to appoint a new chair of the Assembly State Government Committee. I am writing to urge you to embrace this opportunity by appointing a chair who is free of the conflicts inherent in dual office-holding. 

The State Government Committee, with its jurisdiction over legislation addressing government ethics and dual office holding, needs leadership that is beyond reproach – something that is simply not possible if the chair has a personal interest diametrically opposed to ending dual office-holding and implementing real ethics reform.  

By making this request, I mean no disrespect to my colleague, Assemblyman Gary Schaer, the current vice-chairman of the State Government Committee and member of the Passaic City Counsel. However, allowing the vice-chairman to assume the chairmanship in an acting capacity or to appoint some other holder of multiple government positions as the new chair of this committee is simply unacceptable in light of recent events and the task before us.

We are all familiar with the saying, “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” The indictments and charges over the past months have proven this statement is still true. Recent events and sound public policy call for a change in the way business is done in Trenton. Two sitting legislators have been indicted and two others have recently been charged. The indictments and charges stem from actions related to their public offices. Of these four legislators, two were dual office-holders and two were drawing salaries from multiple government jobs at the time of their arrest or indictment.

We can have all the laws on the books we want, but if we continue to allow people to accumulate too much power by holding multiple positions of public trust, we can anticipate additional charges and indictments in the days to come.

I urge you to reverse this disturbing trend by immediately appointing a new chair of the State Government Committee to work on passing legislation to end to dual office holding and enact other needed ethics reforms.       
   
Respectfully,

Richard A. Merkt,
Assemblyman 25th Legislative District

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September 10, 2007

DeCROCE: LEGISLATURE WOULD BE DERELICT IN ITS DUTY IF IT CONTINUES TO IGNORE ETHICS REFORM

SAYS PEOPLE WANT, AND HAVE A RIGHT TO EXPECT, AN IMMEDIATE RESPONSE TO NJ’S CORRUPTION CRISIS

Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce said today he is extremely disappointed that Gov. Jon Corzine won’t release or move a comprehensive ethics reform package until after the November legislative elections.

“If the governor doesn’t want to do anything to address the political corruption scandal in New Jersey now, then I doubt that he’s prepared to use his power to summon the Legislature back into session to consider tough new ethics reforms immediately,” said DeCroce, R-Morris and Passaic.

“That’s why Senate Republican Leader Leonard Lance and I are appealing directly to Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts and Senate President Richard Codey. We’re ready to return on Monday to take care of the people’s business. I hope the Democrats share our determination to take swift and definitive action to end the epidemic of political corruption in our state. No more loopholes, no more half-measures.”

Over the weekend, Corzine let it be known that he intends to propose “sweeping legislation on ethics and campaign finance” in response to the arrests last week of two state assemblymen on bribery and corruption charges. According to a report in The Star-Ledger on Saturday, Corzine said, "We are going to deal with it quickly...And it will be a bi-partisan response if I'm reading it correctly."

Among the top priorities will be a "clean-up" of the law Corzine signed last week that bans dual office holding, but only for new lawmakers, not incumbents. The watered down reform measure allows incumbent lawmakers to keep their local posts.

Corzine said he would demand bans on campaign finance practices, including "wheeling," a way to skirt contribution limits to individuals, and "pay-to-play," a practice where campaign donations are made with the expectation of gaining an edge in the awarding later of government contracts.

While saying it would be best to address these issues immediately, Corzine said he would not “politicize” it by bringing it up the weeks before the November election. He said it will be a "priority" in the lame duck session at the end of the year.

DeCroce questioned the logic of waiting to consider such much needed reforms until the lame duck session.

“Why would that be preferable to action at a special session or even a regular legislative session right now?” asked DeCroce. “When it comes to ethics reform, no time ever seems to be the ‘right time’ for Democrats.

“Our corruption package was offered nearly two years ago and could have been considered at any time,” DeCroce said. “Republicans called for action on ethics reform after every major arrest and indictment of a politician over the past two years. Nothing was done. Why should anyone believe the Democrats are serious about reform now, or after the election?”

DeCroce said there is absolutely no reason why legislative committee hearings and public hearings on reforms could not begin immediately.

“During lame duck sessions, things are rushed through the process so fast and with so little thought that the end result is often flawed,” DeCroce said. “Lame duck sessions offer little, if any, time for public input. What better time to have a public debate about ethics reform than during an election campaign? People should know what candidates are prepared to do now, not after they go to the polls.”

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September 6, 2007

DeCROCE STATEMENT REGARDING ARREST OF LEGISLATORS AND LOCAL OFFICIALS ON CORRUPTION CHARGES

Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce today issued the following statement in response to news reports that 11 New Jersey public officials, including Assemblymen Alfred Steele and Mims Hackett, were arrested this morning by the FBI on bribery charges related to roofing and insurance contracts:

“This is another sad day for the people of New Jersey. Once again New Jersey taxpayers are waking up to news that the officials they elected to serve them stand accused of violating that trust and using their positions of power for personal gain.

“Once again New Jersey’s culture of corruption is national news. We have had two State Senators indicted, a third who is the target of a federal investigation, and now we have two Assemblymen under arrest. And the corruption investigations continue.

“Today’s scandal provides a direct example of how corruption is not only tarnishing our state’s image, but placing a financial burden on our taxpayers. When public officials use government contracts to line their own pockets, they are driving up the cost of local government. This is only exacerbating New Jersey’s property tax crisis.

“Sadly, maybe we now know why Republican ethics bills have been bottled up in the Assembly State Government Committee. The chairman of that committee was himself allegedly involved in unethical and criminal activity.

“Today is just another example of how the Democrat leadership is steering this state in the wrong direction. Yet again the Democrat inaction on ethics reforms is followed by more public officials – including some of their own legislators – being charged with crimes. How much longer must the taxpayers endure this culture of corruption?”

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September 5, 2007

DeCROCE STATEMENT REGARDING RICCIO NEWS CONFERENCE

Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce today issued the following statement after Rocco Riccio’s brief news conference with the media today:

“With all due respect to Mr. Riccio, this is not a personal matter. It involves the use of government resources, potentially for political or personal gain. It also involves allegations, that if accurate, could prove to be violations of state laws committed by public officials.

“That said, I was pleased to hear Mr. Riccio inviting an investigation of this matter. He said he has nothing to hide and welcomes an investigation. That investigation should commence immediately and it should be conducted by an independent special prosecutor. If Mr. Riccio – and the Corzine administration – have done nothing wrong, then they have nothing to lose from an investigation that ferrets out the truth.”

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September 5, 2007

QUESTIONS ROCCO RICCIO SHOULD ANSWER
NEW JERSEY TAXPAYERS HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW HIS ANSWERS TO THESE QUESTIONS

The following are a list of questions that Rocco Riccio should be asked to answer if he goes forward with a press conference today to discuss his $15,000 “gift” from Governor Jon Corzine and his employment with the state:

• What exactly did Corzine Administration officials promise Mr. Riccio when he lost his job at the Turnpike Authority?
• Why did Governor Corzine pay Mr. Riccio $15,000, and who was the first person to bring up the issue of money? Did Riccio ask for money? Did Corzine or his aides suggest a payment?
• If this was a private matter between Governor Corzine and Mr. Riccio, as the Governor contends, then why were state resources and staff expended in an effort to obtain private sector employment for Mr. Riccio?
• When and where did he meet with Tom Shea and Ken Zimmerman?
• Whose tax records did Mr. Riccio look up and at whose instruction?
• What did Mr. Riccio do with the information he accessed and who did he share this information with?
• What was the reason officials gave Mr. Riccio for his firing?
• If Mr. Riccio has nothing to hide, does he agree that an independent, special prosecutor should be appointed to investigate the matter and clear his name?

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September 4, 2007

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT . . .

State's high taxes, debt contribute to hard times
Editorial, Home News Tribune, September 4, 2007

Although these economic indicators for New Jersey are particularly dismal this year, they aren't of great surprise, historically speaking; state economic performance has lagged well behind the nation's throughout the most recent five-year period of growth.

The question, naturally, is: Why? ...

(O)ne influence not routinely considered but undoubtedly a factor in New Jersey's lackluster record of late is the burgeoning size of state government and the toll that skyrocketing taxes have taken on individuals and businesses to support runaway spending by N.J. government at all levels. Consider:

The average property-tax bill in New Jersey topped more than $6,300 last year, a 7 percent hike over what were already the nation's highest property taxes.

This year, New Jersey was ranked the 48th worst tax climate for business among all 50 states by the Tax Foundation, a nonpartisan tax-research group based in Washington, D.C. Only Ohio and Rhode Island fared worse.

New Jersey's state and local tax burden on individuals ranks 10th worst nationally, also according to the Tax Foundation.

New Jersey's state budget was $21.5 billion in 2000. New Jersey's state budget for the current fiscal year is $34 billion, an astonishing $12.5 billion increase, or a jump of more than 50 percent, in seven short years.

Parallel to direct state spending, New Jersey's per capita debt as a result of government borrowing has soared. Today, every man, woman and child would have to pay $8,361 to retire the state's debt, compared to $2,030 at the beginning of the decade.

The effect of government spending and taxes on economic performance isn't to be taken lightly. High-tax strategies drive away industry, jobs and individuals, crimping innovation and expansion. This state's government has its work cut out for it to restore balance to its tax policies, lest New Jersey suffer a further erosion of its position in the world of commerce in the coming years.

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September 4, 2007

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT . . .

The tax relief mirage
Editorial, The Star-Ledger, September