Press Release

CASAGRANDE, O’SCANLON STATEMENT ON JAMES CONVICTION

Release Date: Apr 16 2008

Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande and Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon issued the following statement regarding the conviction of Sharpe James on corruption charges:

 

“The conviction today of yet another high ranking elected official and dual officeholder on corruption charges should serve as a stark reminder that much work remains to done in this state to stamp out corruption in government. Every time an elected official is convicted of corruption, it further erodes the confidence of an already cynical citizenry in their public institutions.

 

The taxpayers of New Jersey owe U.S. Attorney Chris Christie a debt of gratitude for his unrelenting pursuit of justice on their behalf. But the best defense is a potent offense. It is clear that now, more than ever, New Jersey is in need of tougher ethics legislation. Dual officeholding, pay to play, wheeling, pension padding- these are just a few of the many issues the Legislature needs to address in order to make it clear to the public that the days of the ‘Soprano State’ are over.”

 

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Contact:

Contact: Tom Fitzsimmons 732-933-1591