Ethics Panel Investigating Cryan

STATE—The Joint Legislative Committee on Ethical Standards voted unanimously Tuesday to pursue an investigation into allegations that Assemblyman Joseph Cryan abused his office by having legislative staff perform tasks related to his non-government post as state Democratic Party chairman for the politician’s personal benefit.

Monmouth County Freeholder Robert D. Clifton disclosed in January that Cryan’s legislative staff contacted the state Department of Personnel and the Rutgers Eagleton Institute of Politics about finding candidates for jobs when control over that county’s freeholder board switched parties.

Dave Jenkins, the Cryan aide who sent the email messages, is paid at taxpayer expense.

Read Full Post »

‘Bravo’ To Monmouth CountyDemocrats

by James J. Devine

Last week, I reported that Assemblyman Joseph Cryan is abusing his legislative office by having government staff perform work related to his capacity as state Democratic Party chairman.

Freeholder John D’Amico Jr. said communication with the office of Assemblyman Joseph Cryan from someone on the Monmouth County Democrats’ transition team regarding county government jobs was “wrong.”

Read Full Post »

Cryan Abusing Government Staff For Partisan Purpose

by James J. Devine

Assemblyman Joseph Cryan is apparently abusing his legislative office by having government staff perform work related to his capacity as state Democratic Party chairman, specifically to recruit personnel for some Monmouth County government jobs.

According to e-mails obtained by Monmouth County Freeholder Robert D. Clifton, Cryan’s legislative office staff in Union contacted the state Department of Personnel and the Rutgers Eagleton Institute of Politics about finding candidates for the positions of chief financial officer, directors of the human resources and human services departments, and a new post, inspector general.

Clifton, a Republican, has cried foul and helped push through administrative changes to prevent the new Democratic majority on that county’s freeholder board from hiring personnel in the four jobs.

Read Full Post »

Lawmakers Want To Make October “Hispanic Heritage Month”

TRENTON – Last week, Assemblymen Neil M. Cohen and Joseph Cryan announced the introduction of legislation that would statutorily designate each October as “Hispanic Heritage Month” in New Jersey.

Senator Raymond J. Lesniak announced he will sponsor an identical version of the legislation in the Senate.

“It is important to recognize the richness of culture that the New Jersey’s Hispanic communities bring to the state,” said Cohen (D-Union).  “Their contributions to our communities and our country deserve to be permanently commemorated.”

The bill (AJR-76) would codify October of each year in New Jersey as Hispanic Heritage Month.  Activities during the month would serve to commemorate the contributions Hispanic and Hispanic-American residents have made to the state and the nation.

The sponsors said they introduced legislation to create the permanent designation to avoid the chaos of scrambling to submit a bill each year to maintain the designation. Similar laws have been enacted to designate commemorations that include Black History Month, Women’s History Week, and Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month.

“New Jersey’s Hispanic and Hispanic-American communities deserve to be honored,” said Cryan (D-Union).  “Their efforts and cultural impact have made enormous positive contributions to our state that need to be recognized.”

“The Latino community in New Jersey has a rich heritage and has contributed so much to the tapestry of New Jersey culture,” said Lesniak (D-Union).  “It’s only fitting that we designate a month in each year to recognize the contributions, culture, and history of Hispanic New Jersey.  This is an honor whose time is long overdue in the Garden State.”

The Assembly version of the bill has been referred to the Assembly State Government Committee.  Upon its introduction, the Senate version will be referred to the Senate State Government Committee.

Read Full Post »