Carroll objects to Rutgers' $250k lobbyist

Jeannine Larue is a consummate professional, has an extensive public affairs portfolio and was quite an asset to the Corzine team.  With all the trouble McCormick is having having his phone calls returned from the Governor,it would do Rutgers well to have someone of Jeanine's stature steering the government affairs ship there.  Oh and by the way, why does everyone start screaming when a person of  color demands a high salary.  Nary a peep when the good ole boys made their millions coming before the Legislature huh Mr. Carroll.  Carroll is all wet! 

isn't going to pass the smell test.

The NJ pension system has Larue originally enrolled in 1983. So she has some time in the system. In 3 years at age 60 she will be eleigible for state pension based upon her last three years of service at $250k per year. She would get $4500 per year for each year in the system. This is nothing but a total scam. McCormick needs another useless employee as much as the average person needs herpes.

I agree with several of the writers here on LaRue's salary.  I happen to know her well and have a little different twist on her value and career goals.  Jeannine LaRue is no kid...she's a 57-year woman who has worked in both the public and private sector for more than 30 years.

 LaRue has taught high school and college.  She's served on two college boards and as Commissioner on the Casino Control Commission.  She served as an NJEA lobbyist for a decade...the most powerful union in the State.  Jeannine was the youngest, first woman, and first African American elected into office in Winslow Twp and served for 12 years. And...before she came into Corzine's Administration, she served for a decade as Sr. VP of the Saint Barnabas Health Care System...the largest healthcare system in the State.  And then...beyond my advice...she took a huge pay cut and joined the Front Office...and you're right...was never utlitized to her greatest potential.

 I've heard LaRue speak several times and am amazed that she refuses to wear her race or her gender on her sleeve.  She has an uncanny ability to believe in people when they don't believe in themselves.  It is that unique trait that will cause business leaders, community leaders, and yeah...even some politicians to take a deeper look at the wonderful story to be told about Rutgers.

 Finally...I cracked up when I read about her supporting her high standard of living...she lives in TRENTON, drives a Chevy, and is raising two teenage grandchildren.

"$250,000 is small fries compared to the total budget of Rutgers."

This is why these people do not work in the private sector.  While it might be like $2 at Rutgers, to the rest of us it is $250,000. 

She is getting paid the going rate for VPs at a major flagship university.  What do you think would be a good salary for her?  $100K, $150K?  To attract good candidates, you have to pay them what they are worth.  With Jeannine's credentials and connections, I think the salary is worth it.  The job is actually VP of Public Affairs, which is a little more comprehensive than just lobbying the state legislature.  Ms. LaRue will have at least half of the impact that the football coach will, so I think her salary (which is less than a quarter that the coach gets) is well worth it.  People are just hating on her and many of the good ole boys are angry that she got it.  It is just that simple.  To say that they have concerns for the cut sports at Rutgers strikes me as BS!

Looking at the $1M investment for six years in a row to turn around the football team's image as opposed to comments being made here about the University's image at large, maybe they should have offered LaRue $1.2M instead of the measley $250K.  Afterall, the University is churning out professionals to push our State's economy. 

Btw...Mountain Man is way off base again...she isn't being paid just to lobby the State legislators.  The job is really about developing relationships with the corporate community, non-profit community, and Federal/State/local officials.  Oh...I get it...staying on the State lobbying kick is much more emotional and antagonizing.  What if the woman actually brings value to the table and it works?  You just might have more positive things to talk about of your State's University.  Afterall, it IS the State University.  What do you folks even know about this University, except what you think about McCormick...who may even be getting a bum rep himself.  How many of you have even been on one of the three beautiful campuses?  How many of you even know where the campuses are?

If LaRue's little $250K salary can just change the trashing of our State University on sites like this...we'll owe her some change and should pay her more.

Would love to know what the message-rs think about it.  First, I think Tornoe should be fired.  He's just not funny.  My 6 yrear old could do better and does regularly. Two, he's so obvious.  Larue sitting on a check from Corzine-Oh Please!!  BORING!!