Scott Weiner

There is speculation today that state Transportation Commission Kris Kolluri will become the new head of the embattled New Jersey Schools Development Authority (formerly the embattled New Jersey School Construction Corporation), and that Gov. Jon Corzine will name Stephen Dilts, now the Deputy Comissioner of Transportation, to replace Kolluri. Kolluri, viewed as one of Jon Corzine's favorite cabinet members -- and a possible candidate for Lt. Governor next year -- replaces Scott Weiner, who decided to retire after being asked to leave. 

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A PolitickerNJ.com report last month that Scott Weiner was retiring as head of the New Jersey Schools Development Authority was incorrect, and with apologies to our readers, this website offers a correction: while Weiner said that he was leaving because he thought it was time for the embattled school construction agency to hire a CEO who would commit to long term service, he was effectively fired.  Gov. Jon Corzine, according to sources familiar with the events, asked Weiner to leave.  The former Commissioner of Environemental Protection was allowed to issue a public statement giving the impression that his departure was on good terms.

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This week's Winners & Losers: Click Here

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The announcement today that Dr. Frederick Herrmann will retire after 23 years as Executive Director of the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission prompts speculation on his successor.  While Herrmann had built a reputation as a non-partisan enforcer of campaign finance laws, his three predecessors came from political backgrounds – and while the new Executive Director will be named by the four ELEC Commissioners (two Democrats and two Republicans), it’s more likely that Gov. Jon Corzine will influence the process. 

With some senior Star-Ledger reporters being offered buyouts, one possible candidate for Herrmann’s $125,000-a-year job is Robert Schwaneberg, who spent years covering state government, including the Judiciary and ELEC.  Schwaneberg, the husband of New Jersey Supreme Court Justice Helen Hoens, is well-liked by Corzine and by Democratic and Republican leaders.  One front office insider suggested that several soon-to-be former Star-Ledger reporters will find their way into the administration.

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INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP SUBMITS THIRD REPORT ON SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION

TRENTON

– The Interagency Working Group on School Construction today presented its third report on the state’s school construction program to Governor Jon S. Corzine. The report includes recommendations for a project prioritization methodology as well as $2.5 billion in new funding for Abbott Districts and $750 million in new funding for Regular Operating Districts. Read More >

CORZINE SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER TO FACILITATE REVIEW AND REFORM AT SCHOOLS CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION

TRENTON - Governor Jon S. Corzine today signed an Executive Order creating a new position of oversight of the School Construction Program and a new working group that will oversee a full review of the program and recommend reforms. Corzine also appointed 6 new members to the Schools Construction Corporation (SCC) Board of Directors, including Barry L. Zubrow, who will serve as Chairman, and named Scott Weiner to the new oversight position of Special Counsel.

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