The pay-to-play ordinance adopted by the Dover Township Council over
the vigorous objections of several members of the public is "one of
the weakest in New Jersey" according to New Jersey Common Cause
Executive Director Lauren Skowronski.
|
Frank Kenny |
The ordinance was adopted last week after civic leader Frank Kenny
pointed out that the public "wants public officials to be more
forthright, not less."
GOP Council Gave 2 Law Firms $45,500 Extra
|
Haelig
|
Later on in the same meeting, the GOP council handed $45,500 in
contract overcharges to no-bid contract lawyers who are also
Republican and Democrat campaign contributors.
Former GOP leader Robert K. Haelig Jr. said the lawyers' overcharges
and the pay-to-play ordinance "proved once again, that this council
cares a lot more about their own personal and political greed than
they do about the taxpayers."
"This ordinance is a fraud," Haelig said. "It will leave George
Gilmore (GOP County Chair), and McGuckin with all the money, and
the taxpayers and the political process holding the bag."
Press Says "Dump The Incumbents"
|
Mo Hill Voted
For "Weakest Pay-To-Play Ordinance In NJ" |
In an editorial entitled: Pay-To-Play Lite, the Asbury Park Press
called for the second time for the defeat of Republican incumbents
Gregory McGuckin, Maurice Hill, Brian Kubiel and Maria Maruca, all
candidates for re-election to Ward seats they won in the new
government election of 2003.
In 2003, the ward seats were for two year terms; this time the ward
seats will be four year terms.
The Press editorial noted the Republicans "proved once again they are
more concerned about keeping campaign contributions flowing • • than
they are about setting high standards for government ethics."
|
Brian Kubiel Voted For "Weakest
Pay-To-Play law
In NJ" |
The $300 contribution limit, not subject to campaign disclosure
reporting, "keeps the link between jobs and money alive," the Press
said, noting the absurdity of another section of the ordinance, which
applies the limit "only to firms that did not have active contracts as
of August 30, 2004."
$300 Limit Is A Phony
Everybody else, all the influence peddlers who have been active in
Dover Township in the past "aren't subject to restriction until
January 1, 2006 "so they can donate to this year's campaigns at will."
The Press said voters "should show their displeasure by voting the
incumbents out of office." The Ocean County Observer has also called
for the defeat of McGuckin, Maruca, Kubiel and Hill for reasons that
are similar to those outlined by the Press.
