BAYONNE –Two months after Jersey City political operative Ron Manzo was charged in a federal bribery sting operation, and three weeks before he was indicted, records show that the campaign for the reelection of Bayonne Mayor Mark Smith acknowledged a $500 donation from Manzo on Sept. 22, 2009.
Manzo was allegedly the go-between for government informant Solomon Dwek for several alleged bribery attempts that led to the arrest of 44 people last summer. Federal reports say Manzo held meetings in Bayonne, one of which was witnessed by Assemblyman Anthony Chiappone in the back of the Light House Diner on Broadway.
Local Democrats were apparently approached with offers from Manzo and Dwek in early 2009, which local Democrats rejected.
Manzo previously contributed twice to Smith’s campaign in 2008 for a total of $3,200. Also contributing to the 2008 campaign was the Secaucus Democratic Organization, then headed by Mayor Dennis Elwell – who was indicted along with Manzo in the federal bribery scheme.
The Smith campaign was not immediately available for comment, but a response will be posted once received.