Beck, O'Scanlon, Casagrande to Dems: 'We're here to help'

PRESS RELEASE

June 3, 2008

Contact: Tom Fitzsimmons
(732) 933-1591

Twelfth District legislators Senator Jennifer Beck, Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon and Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande, responding to news reports that Democrats were unable to agree on Gov. Corzine's budget, on June 3, sent a letter asking reform-minded Democrats to work with Senate and Assembly Republicans to pass a "reform coalition budget" combining elements of the Governor's plan and the Republican alternative plan unveiled last Thursday.

"There are 31 Assembly Republicans and 17 Senate Republicans who suport the Republican alternative plan we put out last Thursday," said Casagrande, "and from the sound of it, seems like there are a few Democrats who are on board with some of the reforms we suggested. Maybe it's time for a reform coalition of like-minded legislators from both parties to meet in the middle and pass a budget that reflects the true priorities of a majority of New Jerseyans."

Assuming all Republicans voted for the coalition budget, it would require only 10 Assembly Democrats and four Senate Democrats to vote for the compromise plan for it to pass.

O'Scanlon's bill would take bite out of corruption

This week, 12th District Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon was interviewed for a front-page editorial that will discuss a bill he is sponsoring, A-2585. The bill, if adopted, would prevent legislators from entering into contracts with public entities in their district.

To put his money where his mouth was, Assemblyman O'Scanlon will even be taking a hit on his own wireless communications business. He currently has contracts in Colts Neck and Fair Haven. He will be finishing those projects up and not accepting anymore work in the 12th.

With so much raw sewage coming out of Trenton every single day, Assemblyman O'Scanlon is giving New Jerseyans a breath of fresh air. He is a successful business person who understands that governmental service should be a sacrifice to elected officials. Regardless of what party is discussed, the issue of corruption is a central one.

This bill from Assemblyman O'Scanlon will not transform New Jersey's Legislature from being among the most shady in the country, in my opinion, but it will put a dent in some of the shenanigans going on. My bet: A-2585 doesn't make it out of committee. But this is exactly the kind of legislation this state needs and should not be overlooked.

Congrats to Assemblyman O'Scanlon for the good work, and read the editorial about it this week in The Courier. It shouldn't be hard to find since it'll be on the front. Meanwhile to reach Assemblyman O'Scanlon about this, his office can be reached at (732) 933-1591, or his e-mail is: asmoscanlon@njleg.org.

O'Scanlon will be interviewed about A-2585

The Courier will be conducted a Friday, 11 a.m. interview with 12th District Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon regarding his proposed bill A-2585, which is geared to helping to clean up government in Trenton. More coming on that.

Upcoming close-ups in The Courier

I am currently arranging for two interviews, one with 12th District Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon, who has sponbsored A-2585, the bill that would, if adopted, prevent legislators from entering into contrcts with public entities in their districts; and with Jim Grenafege, the Middletown Democratic candidate for Township Committee this year.

Look for upcoming interviews with both.

O'Scanlon tries to take a bite out of corruption

Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon, R-12th District, has crafted a bill that would, if adopted by the Legislature, eliminate potential conflicts of interest for state lawmakers. The measure would prevent legislators from entering into contracts with public entities in their district.

According to a March 27 press release, it reports that O'Scanlon introduced the legislation already.

"While having people with experience in running their own businesses is an asset to the Legislature, we must make sure that these officials are not using their legislative positions for personal gain and are not allowing the operation of their business to conflict with their legislative duties," O'Scanlon said.

O'Scanlon's bill, A-2585, supplements New Jersey's conflict of itnerest law to prohibit members of the Legislature from entering into contracts to provide goods or services to, or perform any employment for, any municipal, county or state public entity located within their legislative districts.

The prohibition would apply to any corporation or partnership controlled by the legislator, and also any business in which the memberowns or controls more than one percent of stock.

O'Scanlon said, "As someone who operates his own business, I understand the importance of avoidinig these potential conflicts and have voluntarily imposed this standard on my own business activities. This bill would ensure that this standard is mandatory for all legislators.

For additional information, contact O'Scalon at (732) 933-1591

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My Opinion: Great job, Assemblyman O'Scanlon! This is exactly the kind of legislation that New Jersey needs. This is the kind of law that would help stem corruption in New Jersey, which virtually assures it won't go anywhere. Nevertheless, Assemblyman O'Scanlon trying should mean a great deal to those he represents.