September 6, 2007 - 4:40pm

Arrests could be first test of Panter's ethics reform law

Today's arrests could be the first real test of Assemblyman Michael Panter's legislation (A-20), which requires mandatory prison sentences and pension forfeiture for any public officials convicted of corruption.  Governor Jon "Hold Me Accountable" Corzine signed the bill on March 16th of this year and it took effect on April 15th.  Criminal complaints filed today by the U.S. Attorney could mean that Assemblymen Alfred Steele and Mims Hackett, Passaic Mayor Sammy Rivera, Passaic Councilman Marcellus Jackson, and Keith Reid, the Chief of Staff to the Newark City Council President, would lose their pensions if convicted of bribery.

Comments

pensions


I'd be willing to bet that they don't lose their pensions. Mabey a hundred a month and that will be it!!!!

09/06/07 4:45 pm

A20


Why wasn't the Assembly scold, Jennifer Beck, a sponsor of this legislation? Could it be she's all talk? She can tell these 12 clowns it "doesn't go far enough" if she cares to visit them in the Federal Penitentiary. Bravo Panter.

09/06/07 9:51 pm

bravo Panter


Nice of Mike to provide cover for his enablers by sponsoring toothless legislation, which I'm sure is either loophole ridden or has some escape hatch somewhere.

The most important votes he casts are for leadership and the budget. He votes for leadership that looks after the interests of the Democrat machine counties first and screws suburbia early and often. Mrs. Hochberg does the same thing.

When push comes to shove, the District 12 Democrats vote party first and constituency second. This issue is no exception.

09/07/07 12:17 am

Nut sack


You need more sleep. You aren't thinking clearly. Why don't you check if the laws are indeed loophole ridden as you allege and get back to us. Who is Mrs. Hochberg? Could it be Senator Karcher who has remained in a committed marriage unlike Jen Beck? Jen Beck might want to change her name to "Schwinn." Gotta love those Republican family values.

09/07/07 12:08 pm