News from

John Amodeo and Vince Polistina

New Jersey General Assembly, District 2

 

 

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE           

Contact:  John Amodeo or Vince Polistina at 609-677-8266

June 19, 2008 

 

Legislators Still Push for Reform

 

AMODEO AND POLISTINA CONGRATULATE BLEE AS HIS APPOINTMENT MOVES FORWARD

 

NORTHFIELD – Assemblymen John Amodeo and Vince Polistina offer their congratulations to former Assemblyman Frank Blee, whose nomination to fill a vacancy on the state’s Local Finance Board was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee today.

“We trust Assemblyman Blee will do a good job on the board.  Though, he may be handicapped in his efforts because of the timing of his appointment,”  said Amodeo. 

“We remain concerned that appointing former legislators soon after they leave public service could give the public the perception of a quid pro quo for certain votes,”  said Polistina.  “The pension tacking and pension boosting that this situation could result in is also a cause for concern at a time when the state is in the process of driving up property taxes with reductions in municipal aid and cutting charity care for our hospitals.”

Amodeo and Polistina said their bill, A-2648, would bolster public confidence in gubernatorial appointments by limiting the appointment or employment of members of Legislature for two years after completion of legislative service. 

“Our bill removes the hint of impropriety,”  said Amodeo.

“Clean motives lead to solid appointments which lead to good public policy,”  said Polistina.  “We wish Assemblyman Blee well, while we look forward to seeing the Legislature take action on our bill so that future gubernatorial appointments will be beyond reproach.”

Members of the Local Finance Board serve a five year term with a $12,000 per year salary.