To the Editor:
I would like to publicly recognize members of the council and specifically thank my First Ward Councilman, Mr. Tom Cotter, for acknowledging my concerns and recommendations before a unanimous vote this past council meeting.
The idea that a company could give large sums of money to a political action committee or to a nonprofit which then can contribute money, services, or goods to candidates running for office, is alarming to me. Much as I have raised such concerns with the previous council, the practice of wheeling is wrong. While wheeling may not be criminal, it serves as a reminder that our existing New Jersey pay-to-play laws contain a significant number of loopholes. Not only does such a practice violate the spirit of the law but it places the integrity of our election process in jeopardy.
I strongly oppose rewarding companies that are suspected of wheeling. While the council has awarded CME Associates a second contract in two short months, I am optimistic that progress is being made. We have started the conversation; the residents are engaging and by Mr. Cotter’s response, the council hears us.
I am certain we can solve this problem by asking our city to set a new standard. By taking a stronger approach we can better protect our citizens and safeguard our election process. I believe Councilman Cotter was sincere and I would love to work with him on policy that would close the loopholes not addressed by the state’s law. By adopting a city ordinance to address wheeling, we will send a message to such companies that Bayonne cannot be bought and together we will show the rest of the state how it’s done.
PETER FRANCO