March 27, 2007 - 5:22pm
Lonegan Complaint Against Katz
By Steve LoneganState Ethics Commission
Po Box 082
Trenton NJ 08625Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â March 22, 2007
 To Whom It May Concern
            Please consider this a formal request for an investigation into the conduct of Carla Katz, former member of the Public Employee Relations Commission and President of the Communication Workers of America; as it relates to contract negotiations with Governor Jon Corzine who represented the taxpayers of New Jersey. Pursuant to New Jersey Conflicts of Interest Law 52:13D-12, it is my understanding the State Ethics Commission is authorized to investigate complaints relating to the potential violation of ethical standards by any state employee. I base my complaint on the following opening paragraph; Â
 The Legislature finds and declares:
           (a) In our representative form of government, it is essential that the conduct of public officials and employees shall hold the respect and confidence of the people. Public officials must, therefore, avoid conduct which is in violation of their public trust or which creates a justifiable impression among the public that such trust is being violated.
           It has been reported that Governor Corzine has engaged in substantial gift giving with Ms. Carla Katz who has served as lead negotiator for the Communications Workers of America and was employed by the taxpayers of this state both as a member of the P.E.R.C. and is included in the state pension system as a union leader. These relationships, professionally and personally, create a perception of conflict and warrant considerable attention. The taxpayers of New Jersey and the members of CWA deserve to be confident that these negotiations are conducted in a forthright and fair manner. There exists an overwhelming perception that these negotiations may have been compromised by Governor Corzine’s personal relationship with Ms. Carla Katz I leave that determination to the State Ethics commission.
           We have heard much discussion about the need to “Return ethics to Trenton� I believe such an effort must start at the highest office. Governor Corzine has the opportunity to set an example for open and accountable government. I urge the State Ethics Commission to conduct a complete and thorough investigation for the benefit of the taxpayers of this great state.
Very truly yours
Steven Lonegan
212 Larch Ave
Bogota NJ 07603
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Insult to Injury
Mar 27, 5:17 PM EDT New Jersey Republicans seek Corzine-Katz e-mails By TOM HESTER Jr. Associated Press Writer Advertisement TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- New Jersey Republicans on Tuesday sought copies of any e-mail discussions between Gov. Jon S. Corzine and former girlfriend and state worker union leader Carla Katz during recent state worker contract talks. Corzine and Katz have denied their past relationship - which involved Corzine giving Katz $470,000 to buy a house and other gifts he has refused to specify - created a conflict during negotiations. But Tom Wilson said the New Jersey Republican State Committee filed an open public records request seeking any e-mails between the two to see if Corzine's romantic and financial dealings with Katz influenced his decisions. "Those who are going to have to pay for this contract deserve to know why Jon Corzine negotiated what union representatives call the most generous contract ever," Wilson said. Corzine spokesman Anthony Coley said the request is being examined. "The governor's counsel is reviewing the letter," he said. On Monday, Republican Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan asked Corzine's Ethics Advisory Panel to investigate the gifts and alleged conflict. The panel includes former Supreme Court Justice Daniel J. O'Hern Jr. and former state Attorney General John Farmer Jr. On Tuesday, Farmer declined to comment on how the panel will proceed. The tentative contract between Corzine's administration and state worker unions would increase salaries by 13 percent over four years, but require state workers pay more toward health care and pensions. Katz, president of Communications Workers of America Local 1034, opposes the deal, along with another CWA local; five other CWA officials support the proposed agreement. Union members are voting through mail on the proposal, with votes to be counted April 12. CWA officials who support the deal have alleged Katz tried to contact Corzine during negotiations, a charge Katz denied. Corzine has said he had no contact with Katz about contract talks. Wilson said he wants to see for sure. "My request covers both state and personal e-mail accounts," Wilson said. "The governor can't use personal e-mail accounts to conduct or discuss state business in order to hide it from public scrutiny." Katz didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. Corzine has said the gifts to Katz were personal business and given while he was a U.S. senator. The Democrat became governor in January 2006. Wilson dismissed that reasoning. "The governor told us that he wanted to be held accountable, but when we try to, he makes excuse after excuse and acts more like an anointed king than an elected governor," Wilson said. "If he is confident that his actions can withstand scrutiny, then why is he hiding?" A public records law expert, attorney Thomas J. Cafferty, said any e-mails sent by the governor through his personal account that discuss state business should be public, but also cautioned the governor can assert privileges to keep much information confidential. CWA Local 1034's 14-member executive board, meanwhile, reiterated its support for Katz on Tuesday in a public letter to other CWA officials. "We strongly stand beside Carla in her leadership of Local 1034 and your attacks on her are attacks on us," the board wrote. The other CWA officials responded by touting the tentative agreement. "We have one single interest in this contract - representing our members well and allowing them to make a well-informed decision with a full appreciation of the facts and risks," they said in a statement. © 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Learn more about our Privacy Policy.