|
MAY 2008
ESSEX
ESSEX COUNTY EXECUTIVE DIVINCENZO AND U.S. ATTORNEY CHRIS CHRISTIE BRING ETHICS IN
GOVERNMENT PRESENTATION TO COUNTY EMPLOYEES
Seminar is Part
of County Executive’s Ongoing Initiative to Maintain Integrity and High
Standards in County Government
Newark, NJ – On Monday, May 5th, Essex County Executive
Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. welcomed U.S. Attorney Chris Christie to Essex County, where the U.S. Attorney gave a
presentation about Ethics in
Government to Essex County Department and Division Directors and
other key personnel. The seminar is part of the County Executive’s ongoing initiative to maintain
high standards of integrity, accountability and fiscal responsibility in County
government.
“As the highest-ranking law enforcement official in
New Jersey,
U.S. Attorney Christie has held elected officials accountable for their actions
and made rooting out corruption a priority of his office. We are privileged to
have the U.S. Attorney return to Essex County for a third time and welcome his
insights about following ethical principles in government,” DiVincenzo said. “We
will continue to host programs like these to reinforce high standards of ethics
and integrity among our employees. Continually providing these educational and
informative seminars will help prevent mistakes from occurring,” he added.
Christie noted that the Special Prosecutions Division in
his office has a motto that “no case is too small.” He used the trials of the
former mayor and Senator from Newark, which is
the largest city in New Jersey, and the mayor
of Guttenberg, which is the second smallest city in New Jersey as examples.
Both trials ended in convictions. “When elected officials are found guilty of corruption,
the people are deprived of their government,” Christie said. “Nothing should
influence our decision except what is in the best interest of the people we
serve. As public servants, you confront these pressures every day on the job. I
hope that by sharing these stories it takes away any myths and will reinforce
that you don’t want to become involved in this kind of conflict,” he added.
“Having Joe invite me here to speak is emblematic of how
much he cares about this issue,” Christie said. “I thank Joe for the leadership
he has given to the County and for placing such a strong emphasis on doing the
right thing,” he added.
Chris Christie
was appointed U.S. Attorney for New
Jersey in 2001. He oversees 135 Assistant U.S.
Attorneys, as well as federal investigative agencies, including the Federal
Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Postal Inspection
Service, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration,
U.S. Marshals Service, Secret
Service, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and
Firearms, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, among others. His
office is responsible for the prosecution of federal criminal statutes for all
of New Jersey, from acts of terrorism to public
corruption, white-collar crime, organized crime and gang activities,
internet-related crimes, drug importation through New Jersey ports, and
many other criminal acts. The Office also is charged, through its Civil
Division, with defending agencies of the United
States, enforcing regulatory agencies' authority, and
recovering funds from violators of U.S. criminal, regulatory, and civil
laws.
“Chris Christie
cares for the people of New
Jersey and the mission given to him to uphold the law.
He has made the District of New Jersey the flagship office in the country in the
fight against public corruption,” Essex County Inspector General Dominic
Scaglione said. “County Executive DiVincenzo and U.S. Attorney
Christie have many similarities. They both inherited a mess and they both worked
hard to bring out the best. In Essex County, Joe has transformed County
government in an integrity-rich environment for good government,” he added.
Maintaining
High Ethical Standards
When DiVincenzo took office, one of his immediate goals
was to make sure County government was operating efficiently, effectively and
ethically. One of his first actions as County Executive was to create the Office of the
Inspector General to prevent and investigate all illegal, improper or unethical
behavior involving the County.
The County Executive’s first Executive Order, dated
February 23, 2003, expressed his commitment to good government by “ensuring the
integrity and honesty of a non-political County government; ensuring the absence
of corruption of any kind; ensuring the absence of even the appearance of
impropriety; and restoring confidence in County government and raising the
morale of its employees.”
DiVincenzo created the first functioning Board of Ethics
in Essex County history, which created a comprehensive and
stringent Code of Ethics for Essex County. Administrative personnel and key
staff members have participated in a number of symposiums and seminars about
ethics in government, including the Essex County Bar Association’s symposium in
June 2004, an Ethics Seminar in October 2004, two seminars led by U.S. Attorney
Chris Christie in 2005 and 2006, a seminar led by Paula Franzese, Seton Hall
Professor and Chair of the NJ State Ethics Commission, a presentation by Former
Attorney General Stuart Rabner in 2006 and one by New Jersey Attorney General
Anne Milgram in 2007. In addition, key County personnel were required to
complete a questionnaire about their associations with private businesses. The
surveys were reviewed by the Office of the Inspector General to make sure
conflicts of interest did not exist.
APRIL 2008
BERGEN
Bergen County is collaborating with United Networks of America to bring the Bergen County Wellness Discount Program to residents in Bergen County and throughout New Jersey.
“This innovative program will bring some relief to working families that have no insurance or medical insurance that does not cover all of their health expenses,” said Dennis McNerney, Bergen County Executive. “With no application process and simply a discount card required, it’s a program that will provide long-lasting benefits to Bergen County residents.”
The Bergen County Wellness Discount Program is free and available to all residents of Bergen County and the state of New Jersey. There are no age or income requirements. It includes discounts on prescription drugs, dental care, hearing exams and hearing aids, vision exams, eyeglasses, contact lenses, Lasik eye surgery, and diabetic supplies.
Participants are provided with two prescription drug discount cards for the Spirit Program and the Freedom Program. These programs offer savings in the range of 10 percent to 50 percent off prescription drug costs. It serves as a supplement for an insured prescription program or can be used by residents that have no prescription drug plan. The cards also provide savings on your pet’s prescriptions. The discount cards are available on the Bergen County web site.
The Spirit and Freedom Discount Cards can be used at over 50,000 pharmacies throughout the United States.
Families can take advantage of a variety of services through the Wellness Discount Program such as the Choice Plus Dental Plan, which provides a 30 percent discount on the annual costs of purchasing a dental discount plan and three additional months free. There are more than 15 plans offered with no annual limits or health restrictions. Select plans offer discounts on cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics.
The Diabetic Savings Plan is a mail-order program that will reduce residents’ diabetic supply expenses and has no annual limits or exclusions. There are no claim forms or pre-authorization required.
“Medical expenses can be a burden, particularly on our seniors and disabled population,” said Elizabeth Calabrese, Bergen County Freeholder Vice Chairwoman. “This pioneering program provides a helping hand when it comes to taking care of your family’s health needs.”
United Networks of America, Inc. (UNA) is one of the largest providers of managed care products and services throughout the country. UNA has more than 240,000 participating providers serving more than 15.6 million members.
For more information on the Bergen County Wellness Discount Program visit www.co.bergen.nj.us/wellnessdiscount or call (201) 336-6545.
MERCER
MERCER COUNTY CONNECTION CELEBRATES ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY
HAMILTON, N.J.—Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes helped celebrate the first anniversary of the Mercer County Connection today as he hosted an “Open House” at the satellite office with other County officials.
Hughes was joined by Mercer County Sheriff Kevin Larkin, County Surrogate Diane Gerofsky, County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello, and County Freeholder Pat Colavita at Mercer County Connection in Hamilton, where business has been brisk in its first year.
More than 13,000 customers have visited the Connection since it opened at the Acme shopping Center on Route 33 in Hamilton on March 29, 2007.
“The County Connection has been a tremendous success here and has really exceeded our expectations for what we thought it could be,” said Hughes. “We’ve had thousands of people come through these doors to get help, to get access to information, or to use our community meeting rooms. It was designed to extend County government services to more residents, and it has done exactly that.”
The free, four-hour “Open House” featured officials and representatives from 15 different County offices: the Clerk’s Office; the Sheriff’s Office; the Surrogate’s Office; County Administration; Mercer County Improvement Authority; the departments of Parks and Recreation, Housing, Emergency Management, Consumer Affairs, Economic Development and Sustainability, Human Services, and Mosquito Control; the Mercer County Geriatric Center; T.R.A.D.E.; and Mercer County Community College.
Throughout the day, each offered information on the services it provides to visitors and handed out application forms for County-run programs. Free County identification cards were also created for senior citizens.
In its first year, the County Connection processed more than 4,000 passports, distributed 1,500 recycling buckets, performed 500 notaries, held countless community meetings, and offered free help to Medicare beneficiaries and free tax assistance.
In addition, the Connection was home to several community drives—including March of Dimes, Operation Open Arms, Project Little Soldier, and a U.S. flag collection for decommissioning—and held routine free workshops for a variety of groups, from veterans to gardeners.
“I have met people from all 13 municipalities who have utilized the County Connection and have had great experiences,” said Colavita. “This location is a testament to the commitment of the County Executive and the freeholder board to bring County government to people’s doorsteps.”
Larkin, whose office has held workshops at County Connection to outfit residents suffering from Alzheimer’s disease with tracking bracelets as part of Project Lifesaver, said the satellite office was ahead of its time.
“The way of the future is regional government. This office is proof that making everything this County has to offer easier to obtain is a great idea,” Larkin said.
The Open House was also held to commemorate National County Government Week April 6 through April 12.
Visit Mercer County on the Web at www.mercercounty.org
OCEAN
OCEAN OPPOSES CORZINE TOLL SCHEME
TOMS RIVER – Noting the lack of transportation alternatives available to Ocean County residents in addition to its financial impact, the Board of Chosen Freeholders today called upon Gov. Corzine to reconsider his toll increase and revisit other cost cutting measures to reduce the state’s debt.
“Ocean County continues to be one of the fastest growing counties in the state and with this growth we need to move people to and from jobs, medical appointments, recreational activities just to name a few destinations,” said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari. “To do this our residents heavily rely on the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike.”
Vicari said the proposed toll hike would result in a county resident who currently pays $10 a day to commute to north Jersey to increase that commuting cost to almost $50 a day.
“With almost 40-miles of the Garden State Parkway running through Ocean County, and next to no transportation alternatives, our residents will be among the hardest hit by these proposed toll increases,” Vicari said.
He added the increase could negatively impact one of Ocean County’s and the state’s leading industries – tourism.
“Steady and increased competition from other states combined with the proposed toll increases could send our tourists elsewhere despite our great beaches, and all our recreational venues,” Vicari said.
Vicari joined with his colleagues on the freeholder board today in passing a resolution calling upon the governor to reconsider the proposed toll increase plan.
The freeholders also called upon the governor to review alternative ways to reduce the state’s fiscal debt including freezing or reducing state spending; revisit the recommendations made by four special legislative committees formed in 2007 to study property tax reform and, especially during economic downturns, focus on funding those programs that are long-standing state responsibilities.
Freeholder John C. Bartlett Jr., who is liaison to the county’s finance department, said the Governor’s plan was not a responsible one because it taps into future revenues.
“Borrowing against future toll receipts will not solve the state’s financial problems,” Bartlett said. “And, in the meantime, it will place an additional financial burden on our residents who have no choice but to use the Garden State Parkway.”
Freeholder John P. Kelly, who serves as liaison to the county’s Engineering Department, said the state is not making needed improvements to Route 9 – Ocean County’s only other north-south artery.
He added that planned improvements for areas of Route 9 like Lacey Township are now being pushed back until at least 2010.
“We do all we can in Ocean County to maintain our roads,” Kelly said. “We have also fully participated with the state to help in getting improvements to the state roads, including the Parkway, but we can only do so much.”
Kelly said Parkway users will look to travel local roads should these toll increases be implemented.
“Local roads are already over-burdened,” Kelly said. “Adding more traffic would just make worse what is already a growing problem.”
Freeholder Gerry P. Little said the state should impose a cap or limit on spending just like those imposed on the county and municipal governments.
“The state is on the edge of fiscal bankruptcy,” Little said. “And yes something needs to be done.”
However, he said, motorists traveling the Parkway should not be responsible for the debt of the entire state.
“The majority of those traveling the toll roads are using them to get to work,” Little said. “This will be an undue burden on them.
Freeholder James F. Lacey, who serves as liaison to the county’s Road Department and is a staunch supporter and liaison to the Monmouth Ocean Middlesex Rail Line said the proposed toll hike has resulted in a greater focus on alternative transportation measures for Ocean County.
“We need this rail line now more than ever,” Lacey said. “We need to move people to and from destinations and it should not cost them exorbitant amounts of money for them to get to where they are going.
The board resolution will be sent to the Governor, Legislators in the state’s 9th, 10th and 30th District, and Ocean County’s 33 municipalities.
Vicari noted that Ocean County motorists already pay millions of dollars in tolls every year.
“It’s apparent these toll hikes will not be shared equally across the state,” Vicari said. “The question becomes how much more can the people of Ocean County afford to pay in order to live in New Jersey.”
SOMERSET
BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP RELEASES RESULTS OF
SYNCHRONIST® BUSINESS OUTREACH EFFORT
BRIDGEWATER, NJ – The Somerset County Business Partnership has released the results of an 18-month Business Retention Outreach Program conducted in partnership with JCP&L/First Energy and municipal economic development officials. The purpose of the ongoing effort is to collect information to support the Business Partnership’s economic development planning and to develop programs to address immediate concerns of the business community.
Utilizing Synchronist®, a web based analysis and tracking tool that supports the collection of data and organizes business related information. Business Partnership staff conducted interviews with corporate executives and business owners in Bedminster, Branchburg, Bridgewater, Franklin, Hillsborough, Montgomery, and Warren Townships. Ninety-seven companies were interviewed representing approximately 12,600 employees and occupying 6.3 million square feet of space.
A numerical rating system utilizes more than 250 data points to generate more than 40 pre-formatted reports that rate a company’s value to the community, growth potential, risk of downsizing, satisfaction with Somerset County as a corporate home, and future employment trends. Additionally, reports are generated indicating community strengths and weaknesses, the business community’s view of municipal and regional services, and the value of a company to the local economy.
Representatives of the companies interviewed indicated that collectively, it is anticipated that they will add approximately 2,000 jobs and nearly one million square feet of space in Somerset County within the next few years.
Primary issues of concern raised during the interviews have become integral elements in the Business Partnership work plan for 2008. Among the needs and concerns are:
• Assistance in accessing customized training resources at Raritan Valley Community
College and Somerset County Vocational and Technical Schools.
• Engage local planning officials in discussions on customer service improvements in the
permitting and approval process
• Partner with the Somerset County Municipal Managers Association to address concerns
about permitting and approvals
• Provide the Business Partnership Legislative Affairs Committee with timely legislative
issues and concerns on economic development related issues
The complete Business Retention Outreach Program Report is available at www.scbped.org/DOCS/2007SomersetBROreport.pdf
Partnership staff will communicate findings and results of the outreach efforts to all elected and appointed officials throughout the year, in addition to expanding the outreach to Somerset County’s hospitality industry.
Businesses in the industrial, office, and hospitality sectors that are interested in participating in the Synchronist® outreach program are encouraged to visit www.scbped.org for further information.
BACK GROUNDER
The Somerset County Business Partnership is a consortium of public, private and community organizations, working in partnership and dedicated to maintaining and promoting economic
prosperity and quality of life in Somerset County. The Somerset County Business Partnership is
an essential partner for doing business in Somerset County, and as such is the premier regional business organization in New Jersey.
The Business Partnership seeks to achieve four key outcomes; public leadership, advocacy, economic and community development, and value/engagement, providing LEADERSHIP, OPPORTUNITY AND RESULTS to the Somerset County Business Community.
PRESS CONTACT:
Rich Reitman 908-526-1390 or 908-400-6061
John Maddocks 908-218-4300
Rich Reitman
www.thereitmangroup.com
908-526-1390
|
