DEMOCRATS: ADDIEGO LEAVES KIDS & TAXPAYERS IN THE LURCH

The Latest from…  

Burlington County’s Reform Team

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                    CONTACT:October 8, 2007                                                                                

Peter Clerkin                                                                                                            (856) 673-1880 

DEMOCRATS: ADDIEGO LEAVES KIDS & TAXPAYERS IN THE LURCH

REWARDS FRIENDS, FAMILY, BUSINESS PARTNERS & BOSS PAULSEN AT THEIR EXPENSE 

Riley and Fifis Demand Answers from Addiego  

(MT. LAUREL, NJ) – Assembly Candidates Tracy Riley and Chris Fifis today criticized Freeholder and Assembly Candidate Dawn Addiego for lining the pockets of her family, friends, former business partner, and GOP Boss Glenn Paulsen while fleecing Evesham Township’s Open Space and Recreation Fund.  They also demanded answers from Addiego on the hiring, appointment, and procurement decisions that led to these individuals collecting a paycheck on the backs of Evesham taxpayers.   

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported today that Addiego, while serving on council, was the leading proponent for building the Indian Springs Country Club clubhouse – a project that is costing Evesham taxpayers a mint.  The story highlighted how the Republican-controlled Evesham Township Council took $750,000 out of the open space and recreation fund to pay for golf course operating expenses.  

“Addiego’s golf course agenda has driven Evesham Township into deep debt, costing taxpayers a fortune,” said Riley, a Mt. Laurel councilwoman who voted against increasing taxes in her community.  “I hope the taxpayers of Evesham hold her accountable during this election.” 

Fifis, a well-known critic of government waste and abuse, said Addiego’s manipulation of Evesham’s open space funds are a poor omen of the kind of Assemblywoman she would be if elected.  

“Addiego looted money from one fund to pay for her runaway spending,” said Fifis.  “Then, to make matters worse, she borrows money from another fund to fix the deficit she created, and then leaves taxpayers holding the bag.  This is wholly irresponsible.  The residents of Evesham should be outraged.  Trenton can’t afford Dawn Addiego.” 

According to the Inquirer story, Addiego found jobs for her cousin, daughter’s godfather and former law partner.    

“The public deserves to know how Addiego’s cousin, former law partner, and daughter’s godfather all landed jobs at the golf course,” said Riley.  “I hardly think you could call this a coincidence.” 

“Addiego’s abuse of the system has Boss Paulsen’s prints all over it,” said Fifis.  “Boss Paulsen should explain why his firm bilked Evesham taxpayers out of thousands of dollars in fees.  This is a disgrace.”   

Riley and Fifis posed the following questions to Addiego: 

·         What was your role in the hiring of your cousin, godfather to your daughter, former law partner, and Boss Glenn Paulsen? 

·         Did you participate in the interviews?  Were you a reference?  Did you advise ANY of these individuals on how to obtain a job or contract? 

·         Were these individuals qualified to fill the roles they were hired to perform?  Did they have past experiences that made them eligible for these posts? 

·         Why wasn’t an RFP or RFQ issued for the catering contracts, considering the amounts were well above the bid threshold?

 ·         Did you circumvent the process by calling on the former mayor and council for help?   

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