Wildes for Senate Zisa and Wilson for Assembly

WILDES, ZISA AND WILSON SUPPORT CLEAN ELECTIONS PROGRAM 

Applaud Codey and Roberts’ Selection of 37th District for Next Phase in Pilot Program 

Hackensack – Candidate Michael Wildes (D-Englewood) as well as Assembly Candidates Charles “Ken� Zisa (D-Hackensack) and Cid Wilson (D-Leonia) today applauded Senate President Richard Codey and Assembly Speaker Joseph Robert’s decision to select the 37th Legislative District as a participant in the Clean Elections Program. 

“The Clean Elections Program is an essential first step in reducing the influence of money in the political process,� said Wildes. “Not only does it help deliver more honest and open government but it gives the citizens of New Jersey piece of mind as well. I’m proud that the 37th District has been given an opportunity to participate in this important program� 

Under the measure signed by Governor Corzine on March 29th, candidates for the Senate and the Assembly would receive public campaign financing from the state by adhering to a series of benchmarks and conditions.   

“This program will ensure that a legislator’s first, last and only loyalty rests with the voter,� Zisa said. “No longer will our residents be left to wonder if their legislator’s oversight of an industry is influenced by taking thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from them.� 

First, candidates would need $10,000 in start-up contributions secured from individuals in increments of $500 or less. After securing an initial amount of $10,000, candidates are limited to collecting donations of $10or less. After getting the first 400 donations candidates receive $50,000 to use for their campaign, with an additional $100,000 to be delivered once a candidate garners their first 800 contributions.  

“This year, the 37th District will be a part of history,� Wilson said. “It’s time that New Jersey joined states like Arizona, Hawaii, Maine, Minnesota, Nebraska and Wisconsin and offered full public financing to our state legislative candidates to reduce the corrupting influence of money in politics.� 

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