No Pay-to-Play This Time Around

Councilman Nick Joanow’s proposal to reinstate a pay-to-play ordinance in the township was met with opposition at Monday night’s council meeting, when Mayor Raymond McCarthy responded, “The idea that you insinuate that the people at this table could not differentiate between a contribution and a contract is insulting, to say the least.”

Joanow had proposed adoption of the previous township ordinance, amended to cap contribution thresholds at $300 a year for a candidate, $500 a year for a joint candidate committee and $500 a year for any political action committee. 

Councilman Bernard Hamilton, after verifying with the township attorney that the current policy was “completely compliant” with standards set by the state Department of Community Affairs, called on Joanow to defend what he called a “somewhat accusatory” inference that there were council members receiving contributions illegally when bidding on contracts.  

Joanow denied he was referring to any illegality in contributions.  “What I’m concerned about is, [do contributions] impact someone’s judgment to fairly assess a contract that’s in front of you?  Yes, I do believe it does.  And the DCA very well believes it does.”

He added that not having a pay-to-play ordinance in place could also adversely effect future grant applications for the township.

The mayor countered that the township was not currently in jeopardy, saying Joanow’s concern was needless and insisting the township has been “compliant and more than transparent” in accordance with the state’s recommendations.

Director of Finance Robert Renna agreed. “We’re very transparent and we’re not close to losing any of the money.” He added that the township had followed the majority of the recommendations put forth by the DCA.

Councilman Robert Ruane, who stated he was not in favor of pay-to-play in general but seconded the proposal because “it’s the best compromise” remarked, “This whole discussion sounds like two foxes and a chicken discussing what they’re going to have for lunch.” 

Ruane added, “Pay to play is either extortion or bribery. . . it opens the door for graft and it opens the door for dishonest government.”

Joanow agreed, “We should be and must be above that.”

The council defeated Joanow’s proposal.

Other News:

• Next month, preparations will begin for Restaurant Week 2012.  Starting Nov. 9, a committee will go to every sit-down restaurant in Bloomfield in preparation for Restaurant Week in February.  Another Restaurant Week is planned for May 2010.

• Ruane proposed that a pond in Halcyon Park be named Victoria Burnette Memorial Pond after former Third Ward Councilwoman, Victoria Burnette. 

“I have a problem with naming a historic site after a living elected official,” said McCarthy.  “I mean, it’s Halcyon Pond.  If it were a path it would be different.”

Joanow suggested that the council seek the consensus of the Halcyon Park Association before proceeding.  All agreed to put a hold on the request.