Senator Gerald Cardinale (R-Bergen), a member of the Senate Legislative Oversight Committee called today on Committee Chairman Paul Sarlo, in a letter, to hold hearings on the Green Acres grant program. The letter is attached.
“I am extremely disturbed and disappointed by published reports in the Record of Hackensack that grants awarded by the state Green Acres program were awarded based on political considerations rather than merit. The Green Acres program is vital to the protection and preservation of open space and historic sites and must be free of political manipulation for personal gain.
“I wrote Chairman Sarlo this morning and asked him to convene Committee hearings on the Green Acres grant program immediately. We must ensure that this program that has been in effect since 1961 is free from political manipulation in the future, by establishing strong safeguards and a system of constant oversight.
“The reforms we create for this program could certainly be used for any other grant program at the state, county or municipal level. We must ensure that the public’s money is not used to enrich politically connected players, who game the system and destroy the taxpayers’ confidence in government.”
September 22, 2008
Honorable Paul Sarlo
Senator, State of New Jersey
2nd Floor
Fleet Bank Building
207 Hackensack Street
Wood Ridge, New Jersey 07075
Dear Senator Sarlo:
I am concerned by published reports in this Sunday’s Record of Hackensack that detail what appears to be the political manipulation of grants awarded by New Jersey’s Green Acres program. It is incumbent upon on us in the Legislature to investigate these allegations and determine what action is necessary to ensure that the Green Acres grant program remains free of politically motivated meddling.
For this reason I am asking you to convene the Senate Legislative Oversight Committee to explore the claims made in Sunday’s Record. I also believe the committee must recommend reforms of the application process to ensure that any grants awarded through the program are based on merit. We must also establish new oversight procedures to ensure that the actions detailed in the news story are not repeated.
I look forward to speaking with you on this important matter.
Sincerely,
Gerald Cardinale
For more information visit www.senatenj.com
Link to Post:
Similar Posts:
- Pennacchio to Ask DEP Commissioner to Update Status of Politically Awarded ‘Livable Communities Grants’
April 17, 2009 - Beck: Property Tax Relief Program Needs Overhaul
September 23, 2009 - O’Toole Calls on State Auditor to Investigate Tax Relief Program
September 24, 2009 - Haines, Addiego & Rudder Legislation that Conserves Land and Protects Property Taxpayers Signed into Law
August 6, 2009 - Highlands Landowners Need More Than Green Acres Bond
June 16, 2009
