Burlington County Legislators Renew Their Opposition to Prison Razing in Light of State’s First Crime Increase Since 2001
State and Camden County officials still proceed with plans to destroy Riverfront State Prison, one of New Jersey’s newer prisons, for private redevelopment even though the state’s overall crime rate increased last year for the first time since 2001, according to state statistics released yesterday.
Assemblywoman Dawn Marie Addiego and Assemblyman Scott Rudder today called for Speaker Joseph Roberts to convene a special session of the Assembly to discuss the impact of an Appellate Court ruling on affordable housing in Eastampton.
Lawmakers Will Introduce Legislation to Protect Municipalities and Property Taxpayers in the Future
In light of an Appeals Court decision that is forcing Eastampton to build even more affordable housing units than required by COAH, Assemblywoman Dawn Marie Addiego and Assemblyman Scott Rudder are drafting legislation to protect New Jersey municipalities and property taxpayers from overzealous courts.
Audit by State Comptroller Found Evidence of a Department Run Amok
Assemblywoman Dawn Marie Addiego and Assemblyman Scott Rudder called for increased scrutiny and oversight over the state’s Department of Developmental Disabilities after a damning audit report by Comptroller Matthew Boxer.
“The findings of the audit are shocking and infuriating. This is yet another egregious example of a state agency abusing New Jersey residents, wasting taxpayer money, and failing in their mission,” said Assemblyman Scott Rudder, a member of the Assembly Human Services Committee.
Almost $20 million in Green Acres funding will be appropriated to the DEP to provide grants to acquire and develop lands for recreation and conservation through legislation sponsored by Senator Phil Haines, Assemblywoman Dawn Marie Addiego and Assemblyman Scott Rudder.
The bill, signed into law today by Governor Corzine, utilizes $19,919,700 in existing Green Acres money for preservation and conservation.
Lawmakers Drafting Legislation to Begin Expulsion of Arrested Assemblymen and Urge Legislature to Convene Immediately
Saying the suspension of pay and benefits of the assemblymen arrested on corruption charges is a good but insufficient step, Assembly members Dawn Marie Addiego and Scott Rudder today urged Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts Jr. to convene a special session of the Legislature to begin the process of expelling Assemblymen L. Harvey Smith and Joseph Vas.
Assemblywoman Dawn Marie Addiego and Assemblyman Scott Rudder issued the following statements in response to the arrests of numerous elected officials by the FBI today:
“Corruption is not a partisan issue, it effects all New Jerseyans. The scope of this corruption is shocking. The arrests today represent a wide-reaching betrayal of the public trust and a sad chapter in our state’s history. This is disturbing behavior for anyone, but coming from elected officials and religious leaders makes it even more appalling,” said Addiego.
“The people arrested today have abandoned the very people they are designated to serve. The public has the right to expect honest, law-abiding representatives who are above reproach. The corruption, the arrogance and the greed demonstrated today is reprehensible, and they should resign immediately,” added Rudder.
Addiego and Rudder Ask Attorney General to Scrutinize Food Service Department After Consultant Found Evidence of $1.5 Million in Waste
Assemblywoman Dawn Marie Addiego and Assemblyman Scott Rudder have requested an investigation by the Attorney General’s office into rampant waste, and possible fraud and theft, in the Camden school district’s food service department.
New Jersey’s ongoing fiscal crisis demands that a special legislative session be convened by Governor Jon Corzine said Assemblywoman Dawn Marie Addiego and Assemblyman Scott Rudder, both R-Burlington.
“Less than one month after passing a budget based on one-shot gimmicks and deferring payments, an independent state agency is estimating next year’s deficit will reach $10 billion,” said Assemblywoman Addiego. “Governor Corzine needs to face the reality that his financial shell game has been uncovered, and that taxpayers want to know how he is going to deal with the record shortfall.”
Decision Not to Indict Illegal Immigrant in Accident that Killed Teacher Strengthens Legislators’ Resolve to Have Their Bill-Package Become Law
Assemblywoman Dawn Marie Addiego and Assemblyman Scott Rudder today vowed to work tirelessly in support of their immigration reform package after a grand jury failed to indict an illegal immigrant and unlicensed driver in the accident that killed a 27-year-old Evesham teacher.
