Pio Costa Commends Councilwoman Colon-MontanezFor Leaving Dual-Office Holding Gary Schaer's Assembly Staff

Nutley, NJ -- The Herald News today reported that Passaic Councilwoman Maritza Colon-Montanez resigned from her second job as legislative aide to Assemblyman/Passaic Council President Gary Schaer. District 36 Assembly candidate Carmen Pio Costa congratulated Colon-Montanez on seeking to avoid the conflict of interest that plagues dual-office holders.

"The councilwoman was right to recognize that the people of Passaic and Councilman Schaer could not both be her boss," said Pio Costa. "In the same way, if Gary Schaer is especially committed to the interests of Passaic, how can he fairly represent in Trenton the Bergen and Essex towns of the 36th district? Schaer should pick just one boss to work for."

In 2006 the city of Passaic received $1.5 million in state emergency aide. This year, the state denied North Arlington $1 million in requested emergency aide to help close budget gaps caused by the EnCap debacle. The town of Carlstadt was denied $1.7 million that the state had promised it to make up for taxable land lost to preservered open space. All three towns are in the 36th legislative district.

Assemblyman/Councilman Gary Schaer abstained from voting earlier this year on an Assembly bill to ban dual-office holding. The bill passed 69-3-8.

"The people of New Jersey and the residents of District 36 want reform, it's time we listened to them," Pio Costa said.

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