JERSEY CITY – Although suspended from his job on the Hudson County Improvement Authority after he was arrested for allegedly driving drunk, Councilman Khemraj “Chico” Ramchal told the Hudson Reporter that he will not step down as councilman.
Ramchal was suspended after the accident which involved a city-owned vehicle. He has pleaded not guilty to charges, and has been suspended with pay pending the outcome of his case.
Paul Swibinski, spokesperson for the HCIA, said Ramchal was suspended on April 8.
“He is entitled to a hearing,” Swibinski said.
Ramchal has been accused of running a red light and then colliding with a taxi – which in turn struck a third car.
Police said Ramchal’s blood alcohol level exceeded the legal limit. But GPS records, according to several reports, showed the vehicle assigned to Ramchal had traveled out of Hudson County at times when he was reported on the job for the HCIA. Ramchal, however, is assigned to a facility in Newark. Ramchal said he has combined duties for the HCIA with his council duties, but referred other questions to his attorney.
He did, however, say he would not resign from his City Council post – despite speculation that he might.
Arrested Jersey City councilman says he won’t resign council seat
